Dancing female musicians
ca. mid 12th century
The front halls of Hindu and Jain temples are places for celebration and gathering. As in a royal court, musicians and dancers perform there for the god in the sanctum, and these spaces often also include images of performers. Some of the most elaborate temple halls were built out of white marble in western India under Jain patronage. These are noted for their intricate ceilings, many in the shape of upside-down lotus flowers with pendant stamens, often carved with celestial performers.
White marble
20 1/2 in. (52.07 cm)
Overall h.: 33 in.
Girth: 29 in.
Margaret E. Fuller Purchase Fund
54.179
