Fan

Item number Eg308 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Floral shaped paper fan consisting of eight petals outlined in purple with a green stick attached at bottom. On fan's surface is a female, Meenakshi, in a gold robe adorned with a white garland and by striped a garland in green red, orange, black, pink, and white. Her ornamental gold headpiece has white lines and white dots emanating from it into background of blue surrounding her head. Placement of third eye between eyebrows. Female stands in centre of open lotus flowers placed on top of pedestal. Arm on left is raised and hand contains parrot sitting on triangular-shaped object. Arm on right extending down is placed at hip's side. In the right corner is tower of temple. Above tower, white circle is enclosed by red outline and contains green symbols stating 'Arjimikhu Minaksi Tirukkalyanam 27-4-1980'. Below symbols is green rectangle with two green hands encircling object. Three hanging temple lamps with orange, yellow, and red flame surrounded by white light are placed, two on the right and one on left around the central figure. The reverse is decorated with a green repeating pattern of a burning lamp as well as a central red advertisement.

History Of Use

Indian popular religious prints have been published for nearly a century, first by German presses, later by Indian ones. The prints may take the form of calendars, posters, or simply images. The style of the representations is European. In the beginning they were Hindu images, but are now acquiring elements both of folk art and a romantic secularism. It is a living art currently influenced by the movie industry and non-Hindu religions. The images are a vehicle for advertising and are also used for religious purposes. Fans decorated with prints such as this one are distributed free at festivals and musical performances.

Iconographic Meaning

Parrot and placement of Gopuram, a south Indian temple tower, are associated with Meenakshi. Fan in shape of eight petals of the lotus can be associated with Vishnu. Popular image of Meenakshi, the fish-eyed goddess is presented here. Written symbols translate 'Many blessings on Meenakshi's holy wedding, April 27, 1980'. The re-enactment of the wedding of Meenakshi to Shiva occurs annually in April at Hindu temples. Meenakshi is considered the incarnate of Parvati.