Makara is a Sanskrit term, meaning crocodile. Throughout South and Southeast Asia, makaras can be found in traditional architectural structures in diferent forms but always in a combination with other aquatic and terrestrial animal parts, such as elephant trunks, fsh tails, and dragon heads, among others. In East Asia, similar composite creatures can be found under various names: chiwen, mojie, and shachihoko. The geographical and formal variety of the makaras outline an entangled network of connections and hybrids across Asia and perhaps beyond, from ancient times to contemporary nation branding. Malaysia-based artist and scholar Tan Zi Hao conducted extensive research on the genealogy and variations of makaras while creating an imaginary skeleton of this composite creature, as seen in Makara: Notes on Recalcitrant Folds.
Designed & Developed by: Curves n' Colors | Visual identity by: Wkshps
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