Purse
Item number Ef150 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- Data
- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Description
Unburnished brass, stylistic representation of fish, item is hollow but remains of central black clay core can be seen on inside of head and large bifurcated tail. Grilled portion on both sides gives light see through effect. Mouth is expansive, extending horizontally from 1 side of solid brass head to the other. Dorsal fin is articulated with 4 tops and 4 pectoral fins, 2 on each side.
History Of Use
Dhokra craftsmen make Hindu ritual objects, rice bowls, and fish purses. They use 'dhuna' threads made from sal tree gum and mustard oil, hand pulled to thickness of one-sixteenth of an inch. This is the depth required for the thickness of the brass which will replace the 'dhuna' in the casting process. Although classic Sanskrit-based brass casting techniques stipulate that ritual objects should be solid caste, this does not apply in folk traditions where hollow casting predominates. Bengali women take money in these auspicious caskets to their new homes.
Cultural Context
used by women
Iconographic Meaning
The fish in Hindu cosmology is the 1st incarnation of the god Vishnu. Fish, on the popular level, is a symbol of fertility, good luck, beauty and prosperity.
Item History
- Made in Bankura, West Bengal, India before 1975
- Collected during 1975
- 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
- Purse
- Identification Number
- Ef150
- Type of Item
- purse
- Material
- brass metal and clay
- Manufacturing Technique
- modelled, moulded, cast and chiseled
- Overall
- height 6.1 in, width 3.5 in
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Bankura, West Bengal, India
Who
- Culture
- Bengali
- Previous Owner
- Stephen Inglis
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) and Stephen Inglis (Seller)
When
- Creation Date
- before 1975
- Collection Date
- during 1975
- Ownership Date
- before December 2, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on December 2, 1977
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 105
- Accession Number
- 0411/0095
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