Yalis and Makaras within Ogival Lattice

Unknown artist

15th century

Silk, lampas weave

Arthur M. Sackler Museum

A red silk textile features a repeating pattern of mythical creatures and floral motifs in gold and silver thread. The fabric has a damaged edge on the lower left. Featured in the ogival lattice design are confronted creatures from Hindu mythology: in one row, yellow yalis, and in the alternating row, blue makaras. Yali possesses the head and body of a lion and wings. Makara is a sea animal that often appears with an elephant head and a crocodile body. Both yalis and makaras are believed to be guardian creatures and are typically found as stone carvings in Hindu temples—at the entrance, on the exterior walls or pillars. Their protective power would have been fitting for textiles of this kind which are believed to be used for decorating imperial tents and canopies. Produced in the Islamic Sulta