Yali Thali

This engraved, chased and repousse brass plate with a yali in the centre, is from Mysore. Around the yali are a series of beautiful foliate, geometric and plain bands, ending with a fluted border. This platter would have been used in puja or worship rituals.
The yali is a mythological creature that is part lion. It can be seen in many South Indian temples, often sculpted on the pillars. It may also be portrayed as part lion, part elephant and part horse. It has sometimes been described as a leogryph (part lion and part griffin), with some bird-like features. The yali is considered as protection to ward off evil.