Northern Kerala (South India)
Wood, polychromed
A decorative painted wooden architectural element depicting a lions head which would have been placed on the sloping roofs flanking the gables of Kerala’s wooden temples. The Kimpurusha was placed as a protective talisman placed along the roof eaves to ward off evil and protect the house. Kimpurushas were creatures with lion heads but human bodies. Sometimes, they were referred to be the same as that of the mythological Kinnaras.
Size (cms): 84(H) x 49(W) x 20(D)
Size (inches): 33(H) x 19.5(W) x 8(D)
