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Marichi, the Buddhist deity of the dawn
Marichi, the Buddhist deity of the dawn

Marichi, the Buddhist deity of the dawn

Place of OriginBodhgaya, Bihar state, India
Dateapprox. 800-850
MaterialsStone (mica schist)
DimensionsH. 29 in x W. 13 1/2 in x D. 5 1/2 in, H. 73.7 cm x W. 34.3 cm x D. 14 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB63S10+
DepartmentSouth Asian Art
ClassificationsSculpture
On View
On view
LocationGallery 2
Inscribed"Buddhist creed"
More Information
The goddess of the dawn overcomes the darkness of ignorance with her sunlight. This form of the goddess has a beautiful human face flanked by two pig faces. Her aerial chariot is drawn by seven pigs. Why pigs or boars are associated with Marichi is not clear.
Subject
  • Marichi
  • deity
  • chariot
  • pig
  • Buddhism