Architectural Strut with the Dikpala, Vayu, Standing on a Deer

This wooden architectural strut would have been used to support one of the multi-tiered roofs of a shrine in the Kathmandu Valley. The figure on this strut is the wind-god Vayu, who can be identified by his attributes: a staff with a billowing banner and his animal vehicle, the deer. Vayu is one of the guardians of the directions (Astadikpalas), found in both Hinduism and Buddhism. The base of the strut is inscribed with the name of the donor, Binay.