Untitled

Unknown

ca. 12th century · Copper alloy, iron armature · Asian Art

This plummet, used to determine perpendicular lines, is a rare example of a surveying tool associated with temple building in Sri Lanka. Its elaborate ornamentation attests to the importance attached to temple building, and the protective presence of a mythological kirrtimuhka face underscores the sacred nature of the activity.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 12th century

Medium

Copper alloy, iron armature

Culture

Sri Lanka, Pollonnaruva

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Barry Fernando, M.D. and Coleene Fernando, M.D., 2009