Avatars and Incarnations: Buddhist and Hindu Art

Avatars and Incarnations explores the concept of divine avatars in Hindu and Buddhist art represented in the museum’s collection. In Hinduism and Buddhism, the concept of an avatar refers to the incarnation or physical manifestation of a deity, spirit, or abstract quality in human or animal form. Each avatar is meant to counteract a particular problem, evil, or suffering in the world. Different avatars often represent specific aspects of greater transcendent deities, and thus serve as useful focal points for devotion. Over centuries, Hinduism and Buddhism have progressively added many legends, ceremonies, physical disciplines, practices, and schools of thought.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.