Head of a Galbinga sculpture with an updo hairstyle and floral hair ornament.
Head of a Galbinga sculpture with an updo hairstyle and floral hair ornament.
Head of a Galbinga sculpture with an updo hairstyle and floral hair ornament.
Head of a Galbinga sculpture with an updo hairstyle and floral hair ornament.
Head of a Galbinga sculpture with an updo and floral hair ornament, in profile.
Upper body of a Galbinga with a robe/cloth draped around the shoulders, arms bent in front of the upper body and wing attachments on the back, in profile view.
Upper body of a Galbinga with a robe/cloth draped around the shoulders, arms bent in front of the upper body and holding a vessel.
Upper body of a Galbinga with a robe/cloth draped around the shoulders, arms bent in front of the upper body, viewed in profile.
Upper body of a Galbinga with a robe/cloth draped around the shoulders, arms bent in front of the upper body, rear view of the hollow figure.
Upper body of a Galbinga with a robe/cloth draped around the shoulders, arms bent in front of the upper body and holding a vessel.
Reconstruction painting of a Galbinga based on fragments from the banks of the Orkhon River.

Human-bird sculpture “Galbinga”

Location Karakorum

Dating 13th-14th cent.

Epoch Mongolian empire

Material Ceramics

Technique Plastic Art

Type Excavation find

Description

Numerous fragments of human-bird sculptures have been discovered in Karakorum, most of them in the area around the kiln on the banks of the Orkhon River. Two heads have been documented, as well as fragments of torsos, wings and bases, some of which are covered in green glaze.

Based on the depiction of the bird’s legs standing on a demonic head, it can be assumed that this is a regional guardian figure from the Buddhist context. It is called Galbinga. It resembles the Kalavinka from the Chinese region, but is more associated with singing and the sky and is not depicted with demons. Both are also quickly compared to the Kinnari. However, the Kinnari differs in its depiction, usually with a naked upper body, musical instruments in its hands and wings on the sides of its hips. It is also particularly widespread in Southeast Asia.

3D Visualisation