NEPAL, DEBUT DE L'EPOQUE MALLA, CIRCA XIIIEME SIECLE

This finely sculpted bracket (tunala) is a characteristic example found in a typical Nepalese temple from about the 13th century. These cantilevered roof struts are often carved with celestial female figures (devata) holding a branch or the vina and dancing beneath a flowering tree on top of a rishi or hermit sage, who in this case is clutching his beard, and placed on a stylized rock design. This celestial maiden type goes back to the yakshis of ancient Indian incarnations of abundance. These figures were often associated with trees and their touch was believed to bring the trees into flower. This is a particular exquisite example of early Newari woodcarving, with its volume and pose very well realized.