Kinnari (female celestial bird-bodied musician)
1075-1125
Many types of semidivine beings act as attendants and celebrants in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain mythology. Some are entirely animal, some human, and others combine characteristics of both. This musician, who rings a bell with one hand, has bird wings and legs melded with a woman’s upper body. Such celestial bird attendants are often called kinnari for female types and kinnara for male.
Black stone
14 1/4 x 12 5/8 x 4 1/2 in. (36.2 x 32.07 x 11.43 cm)
Overall h.: 15 3/8 in.
Overall w.: 13 1/4 in.
Margaret E. Fuller Purchase Fund
64.115