Majapahit Stone Guardian Head | Indonesia | Temple Fragment | Circa 14th–15th Century

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Majapahit temple guardian head, Kala Simha volcanic andesite carving, 14th–15th century Java, Hindu-Buddhist architectural fragment with radiating mane
Majapahit temple guardian head carved in volcanic andesite, Java, 14th–15th century, Kala Simha with radiating mane
Kala Simha guardian head from a Majapahit-era temple, volcanic stone carving, Java, 14th–15th century
Ancient Javanese Majapahit guardian head, Kala Simha motif, carved volcanic andesite with stylized mane
14th–15th century Majapahit stone guardian head, volcanic andesite sculpture from Java
Majapahit-era temple guardian carving, Kala Simha head with radiating mane, Hindu-Buddhist art
Javanese Majapahit architectural fragment, volcanic stone Kala Simha head, 14th–15th century
Ancient temple guardian sculpture from Java, Kala Simha motif in volcanic andesite, Majapahit period
Majapahit volcanic andesite guardian head, 14th–15th century Hindu-Buddhist temple fragment
Javanese Majapahit temple fragment, Kala Simha guardian head carving with stylized radiating mane
Majapahit-period Kala Simha temple guardian head, volcanic andesite carving from 14th–15th century Java, Hindu-Buddhist art
  • Majapahit temple guardian head, Kala Simha volcanic andesite carving, 14th–15th century Java, Hindu-Buddhist architectural fragment with radiating mane
  • Majapahit temple guardian head carved in volcanic andesite, Java, 14th–15th century, Kala Simha with radiating mane
  • Kala Simha guardian head from a Majapahit-era temple, volcanic stone carving, Java, 14th–15th century
  • Ancient Javanese Majapahit guardian head, Kala Simha motif, carved volcanic andesite with stylized mane
  • 14th–15th century Majapahit stone guardian head, volcanic andesite sculpture from Java
  • Majapahit-era temple guardian carving, Kala Simha head with radiating mane, Hindu-Buddhist art
  • Javanese Majapahit architectural fragment, volcanic stone Kala Simha head, 14th–15th century
  • Ancient temple guardian sculpture from Java, Kala Simha motif in volcanic andesite, Majapahit period
  • Majapahit volcanic andesite guardian head, 14th–15th century Hindu-Buddhist temple fragment
  • Javanese Majapahit temple fragment, Kala Simha guardian head carving with stylized radiating mane
  • Majapahit-period Kala Simha temple guardian head, volcanic andesite carving from 14th–15th century Java, Hindu-Buddhist art
Majapahit temple guardian head, Kala Simha volcanic andesite carving, 14th–15th century Java, Hindu-Buddhist architectural fragment with radiating mane
Majapahit temple guardian head carved in volcanic andesite, Java, 14th–15th century, Kala Simha with radiating mane
Kala Simha guardian head from a Majapahit-era temple, volcanic stone carving, Java, 14th–15th century
Ancient Javanese Majapahit guardian head, Kala Simha motif, carved volcanic andesite with stylized mane
14th–15th century Majapahit stone guardian head, volcanic andesite sculpture from Java
Majapahit-era temple guardian carving, Kala Simha head with radiating mane, Hindu-Buddhist art
Javanese Majapahit architectural fragment, volcanic stone Kala Simha head, 14th–15th century
Ancient temple guardian sculpture from Java, Kala Simha motif in volcanic andesite, Majapahit period
Majapahit volcanic andesite guardian head, 14th–15th century Hindu-Buddhist temple fragment
Javanese Majapahit temple fragment, Kala Simha guardian head carving with stylized radiating mane
Majapahit-period Kala Simha temple guardian head, volcanic andesite carving from 14th–15th century Java, Hindu-Buddhist art

Majapahit Stone Guardian Head | Indonesia | Temple Fragment | Circa 14th–15th Century

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: Indonesia (Java), Majapahit cultural sphere
Material: Volcanic stone (andesite)
Period: Likely 14th–15th Century CE

Description
This stone temple guardian head depicts a fierce protective visage—Kala or Simha—carved in high relief and framed by a radiating wreath of flame- or lotus-like petals. The broad snout, stylized eyes, and encircling mane reflect its role as an apotropaic guardian, traditionally positioned above temple portals or shrine walls in Javanese Hindu-Buddhist architecture. The weathered surface retains mineral accretions, and the piece is mounted on a modern display stand for presentation.

Features

- Guardian head (Kala/Simha) with radiating flame/lotus-like mane

- Carved from andesite temple stone; architectural fragment

- Surface shows strong weathering and ancient character

- Mounted on a modern stand for secure display

Cultural Significance
Kala/Simha heads served as protective figures at temple thresholds throughout the Majapahit period, symbolizing divine guardianship and ensuring the sanctity of sacred spaces. Such apotropaic imagery is a hallmark of Javanese Hindu-Buddhist temple architecture.

Condition
Stable, with erosion and mineral accretions consistent with long-term exposure and use.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 5.25 in
Width: 2 in
Depth: 2 in

Age
Majapahit Era, 14th–15th Century CE

Learn More

Discover a comparable museum example of Majapahit terra-cotta heads artistry: Fifteen terra-cotta figures - National Museum of Asian Art

Explore our curated collection of Indonesian artifacts, showcasing the rich cultural, spiritual, and artistic traditions of the archipelago.



Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Indonesia (Java), Majapahit cultural sphere
Material: Volcanic stone (andesite)
Period: Likely 14th–15th Century CE

Description
This stone temple guardian head depicts a fierce protective visage—Kala or Simha—carved in high relief and framed by a radiating wreath of flame- or lotus-like petals. The broad snout, stylized eyes, and encircling mane reflect its role as an apotropaic guardian, traditionally positioned above temple portals or shrine walls in Javanese Hindu-Buddhist architecture. The weathered surface retains mineral accretions, and the piece is mounted on a modern display stand for presentation.

Features

- Guardian head (Kala/Simha) with radiating flame/lotus-like mane

- Carved from andesite temple stone; architectural fragment

- Surface shows strong weathering and ancient character

- Mounted on a modern stand for secure display

Cultural Significance
Kala/Simha heads served as protective figures at temple thresholds throughout the Majapahit period, symbolizing divine guardianship and ensuring the sanctity of sacred spaces. Such apotropaic imagery is a hallmark of Javanese Hindu-Buddhist temple architecture.

Condition
Stable, with erosion and mineral accretions consistent with long-term exposure and use.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 5.25 in
Width: 2 in
Depth: 2 in

Age
Majapahit Era, 14th–15th Century CE

Learn More

Discover a comparable museum example of Majapahit terra-cotta heads artistry: Fifteen terra-cotta figures - National Museum of Asian Art

Explore our curated collection of Indonesian artifacts, showcasing the rich cultural, spiritual, and artistic traditions of the archipelago.



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