Figure
Item number Ef127 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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Description
Terra cotta figure painted with white with black and red design. Neck and head are rounded like a vase, but is open at both ends. The forehead continues into 'slab-trident-crown' which forms headpiece above the head.
History Of Use
Dakshin Rai is used in the festival of the last day of the month of Pauch (December-January), after harvest, in celebration of Makara Sangranthi. Makara refers to the zodiac sign representing half crocodile and half elephant. After the festival this figure remains as a tiger deterrent. This Shaivite village god is guardian figure of the south, lord of the tigers, and is worshipped (puja) as a ritual mask in the form of a tiger god. Boatmen, fishermen, and woodcutters worship Dakshin Rai for the use of resources, and they also offer their first harvest to this deity. Dakshin Rai is mainly found in 24 Paraganas District especially in the lower courses of the rivers (Bada Anchal).
Cultural Context
ritual image
Iconographic Meaning
Symbolizes the ritual mask of the tiger god. High crown of kingship is associated with Hindu iconography "Kirita Mukhuta". Also associated with southern provincial administrator of the ancient Bengali administration.
Item History
- Made in Jaynagar, West Bengal, India
- Collected during 1976
- Owned by Stephen Inglis before December 2, 1977
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) and Stephen Inglis (Seller) on December 2, 1977
What
- Name
- Figure
- Identification Number
- Ef127
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- clay and gouache paint
- Manufacturing Technique
- thrown, beaten, modelled, fired and painted
- Overall
- height 17.5 in, width 9.1 in, diameter 4.1 in
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Jaynagar, West Bengal, India
Who
- Culture
- Indian: Northern Indian and Indian: Central Indian
- Previous Owner
- Stephen Inglis
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) and Stephen Inglis (Seller)
When
- Collection Date
- during 1976
- Ownership Date
- before December 2, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on December 2, 1977
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 104
- Accession Number
- 0411/0161
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