Thap Mam Altar

THAP MAM ALTAR

Thap Mam, Binh Dinh | 12th century | Sandstone | [BTC 228]

The Altar was excavated in 1934. Two lions and two Garuda birds are represented in a four-corner support position. The four sides of the altar sharing the same decoration patterns include three fragments: the top and the bottom express the spiral pattern in the shape of the flame, the middle consists of a row of 10 regular female breasts.

The female breast decoration expresses the femininity and affirms the role of the woman in a matriarchy. This is a common and typical decorative motif of Thap Mam style.

References

1. Official website of Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture: chammuseum.vn
2. Information points and annotations of artifacts at Danang Museum of Cham Sculpture.
3. “Vibrancy in Stone – Masterpieces of the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture”
4. Information guidebook introducing 20 characteristic artifacts at Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture.
5. Presentation of tourist destinations in Da Nang.
6. Web portal of Da Nang city

DANANG CENTER FOR TOURISM PROMOTION