Xoanon
An archaic Greek cult statue, originally carved in wood and regarded as a sacred image.
Sculpture
X-Radiography
A non-destructive imaging method using X-rays to reveal internal structure, joins, repairs, armatures, casting features, and hidden conditions within sculpture.
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)
A non-destructive analytical technique used to identify elemental composition in sculpture materials.
Yaksha
A male nature or tutelary deity of South Asian religious traditions, frequently represented in early Indian and Southeast Asian sculpture.
Yakshi
A female South Asian nature spirit or fertility deity, frequently represented in sculpture in association with trees, fecundity, abundance, and auspicious entrance imagery.
Yali
A composite mythical creature of South Indian art, frequently carved into temple pillars and architectural supports.
Zinc
A bluish-white metal used extensively for cast and sheet-metal sculpture in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Zoccolo
An Italian term for a base, plinth, pedestal, or lower supporting element beneath a statue, monument, or architectural member.
Zoophorus
A sculptured frieze or horizontal band bearing figures of animals or persons, especially in classical architectural decoration.
Zoomorphic
Describing a form, figure, ornament, or object shaped as an animal or incorporating animal characteristics.