INTRODUCTION

This set of 2 Yali corbels is a beautiful rendition of the creature made by traditional craftsmen from the temple town of Tirupati.

The word Yali comes from the Sanskrit Vyala meaning an animal of prey. In Indian iconography, Yali is a mythical creature with mixed features of various animals. It is a ferocious creature that reigns supreme over the animal kingdom. While every creature has a foe they cower before; a Yali fears none. This is why a yali is the most recognizable guardian spirit used in the entrance hallways of temples (Dating from the Gupta empire to the Vijayanagar empire). With its protruding eyes and its permanent terrifying snarl, it protects the inhabitants from all that is harmful.

According to the Samarangana Sutradhara, a classic treatise in the canon of Vastu Shastra- there can be 16 types of yali. However the ones most commonly seen are the Sinh Yali (Lion faced) and the Gaja Yali (Elephant faced).

This Sinh Yali is a composite of a lion and elephant (notice the tusks) and a crocodile (makara) on the chest. It is structured to act like a corbel. Notice how the soft floral flourishes lend terrifying beauty to this set.

The piece is made in responsibly sourced teak wood and will be treated with anti-termite solution and double varnished for longevity.