Figure Item Number: Ef147 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Light coloured brass representation of a scorpion. Tail is raised in the stinging position and claws are open. Form appears playful, with very fat, round body, disproportionately small claws, simplistic facial features of pressed circles of brass. Legs are joined to their pairs across back with raised brass ribbed design.

History Of Use

These brass ritual objects are handmade in cire perdue (lost wax) method by low caste Hindu brass casters. They are intended for other low caste Hindu groups such as potters and agriculturalists as well as non-Hindu tribes who do not work in brass. Although the classic Sanskritic-based tradition, stipulated in the 'Silpa Sastras', requires that images worshipped in temples be solid cast, this does not apply to folk traditions where casting predominates.

Cultural Context

communal worship

Narrative

Made by Kaser (Ghadwa) caste.