Architectural models: Religion and ritual

Architectural motifs often appear on ritual objects such as incense burners, lamps and shrines. A whole building could be shown in miniature, but often only parts of a building such as a gateway or roof might be incorporated to decorate the ritual object.

  • Stand for a cross, in the shape of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre



    Stand for a cross, in the shape of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
    Germany
    Late 12th century
    Bronze
    Height 18 cm x width 16 cm x depth 9 cm
    Museum no. 2169-1855

    The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is said to have been built on the spot where Jesus was buried. The chimney-like aperture on the roof of this model church would have supported a bronze cross. The box below the church would have contained holy relics.

  • Prayer wheel



    Prayer wheel
    Probably made in China for use in Tibet or Mongolia
    18th or 19th century
    Copper, partly gilt, with turquoises
    Height 39 cm x diameter 20 cm
    Museum no. IM.119-1911

    Influenced by Chinese architecture, this prayer wheel may have been a gift from a Chinese dignitary to a senior Tibetan monk. The spindle at the top turns the drum, which contains a roll of paper on which prayers are written. Rotating this brought spiritual benefit.

  • Model of the Mahabodhi temple at Bodhgaya



    Model of the Mahabodhi temple at Bodhgaya
    Nepal or Tibet
    15th century
    Wood, polychromed and gilded
    Height 9 cm x width 9 cm x depth 14 cm
    Museum no. IS.50-1995
    Purchased with the aid of an anonymous donor

    Although now missing its upper parts, this model is similar to the stone Indian model of the same temple. Nepalese stylistic elements, however, suggest that this model is likely to have been made in Nepal or Tibet by Nepali craftsmen, not at the site of the temple in India.

  • Model of a Kond thatched building



    Model of a Kond thatched building
    By members of the Kutiya Kond community
    Belugunta, Ganjam, East-Central India
    19th century
    Metal lattice strips over a clay body
    Height 10 cm x width 8 cm x depth 8 cm
    Museum no. IM.113-1916

    The building may represent a shrine to a local deity or possibly a village granary. It would have been used for religious purposes. The method of manufacture with strips of metal cast in a lattice pattern over the clay core is common among the Kond community, who live in remote, hilly areas of East-Central India.

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