Man-lions, “Blood-seed” Demons, and Wish-fulfilling Cows

Man-lions, “Blood-seed” Demons, and Wish-fulfilling Cows: Assorted Beings from the Indian Imagination
Lecture by Deven Patel, Associate Professor, Department of South Asia Studies

The Beast in early South Asia runs the gamut of imaginative possibilities. Visualized in mythological literature and the plastic arts, unique and yet oddly recognizable Beings bubbled up for centuries from the psychic depths of Indian peoples. This presentation will highlight some of the great Beasts of these lands – menacing demons; divine emanations both majestic and hideous; sublime animals that defy all expectations; hybrid human/animal forms shuttling between mortal and immortal worlds. Special attention will be given to the distinctive ways these imaginings continue to shape the culture of this region.

For visitors who are blind or visually impaired, live audio description of the lecture slides is available. To reserve a headset, please contact kschott@upenn.edu.
Admission: $5 single lecture advance ticket ($2 Penn Museum members); $10 at the door.

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