GENTA

This temple bell (genta) has the shape of an upturned bowl with a thickened bottom. The bell's outer body is decorated with garland and rosette motifs as well as strings of beads, which are hanging loosely around the object. It has an ornamented hanger at the top, and is positioned on a lotus base while displaying mythological creatures (makara) at either side. This bell was possibly once located in a wihara (monastery), where it would have been used to announce prayer times.