Description

This two prancing Yalis were once decorated as protecting corner pieces of the upper pavillion of a wooden festival chariot from a south Indian temple.

Therefor these Yalis, or leonine beasts, standing on their hind legs feature with flamelike manes, bulging eyes, open mouths with protruding fangs and a fierce expression. Unfortunately the pouncing front legs have not been preserved.

Most remaining and available woodcarvings from temple chariots are the wellknown panels depicting the episodes from the life of the temple deity, but such corner pieces could be considered as extremly rare and only very few examples have survived.