Garuda sculpture, Mid 20th century
Indonesia
Painted wood
Dimension: 86 cm (Height)
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The object shown here comes from Indonesia and was made around 1950. The sculpture is made of wood painted gold and black.
In Indian mythology, Garuda is described as the snake-slaying, half-human, half-eagle-shaped mount (vahana) of Vishnu. Vishnu already appeared in the Vedas, written collection of religious texts in Hinduism. In the oldest part of the four Vedas, the Rigveda, he appears as a god with cosmic significance. Garuda is also the son of Kashyapa, one of the seven sages (saptarishi) in Hinudism and Vinata. In addition, in many parts of Asia, Garuda is ascribed the role of a messenger of the gods, bringing messages and instructions from the gods to the people. In Thailand, Garuda is the personal emblem of the king, who is considered the reincarnation of Vishnu. The Buddhist kings of the present dynasty are named after Rama, the seventh reincarnation of Vishnu. As the only creature allowed to stand above the royal head, Garuda is depicted on royal banners. Garuda may only be depicted on religious or royal buildings, papers or objects.
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