Hanging

Item number Ef394 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Square-based pentagon; white front; natural printed lining; machine bound with red bias tape; white bias loop at each corner; embroidered before figures are filled with fishbone stitch; male at top centre with orange body, red face and multi-coloured cap and clothing; elephant-headed male, lower centre has an orange body and multi-coloured cap; two red cows are at lower corners; two blue elephants are above; one blue and one green peacock are at each top corner. Multi-coloured, six-petalled flowers form a border; multi-coloured, small symbols, furnishings, and a long-tailed animal are scattered between figures; loop at top right is broken; lining has a small hole in centre.

History Of Use

Wall hanging worshipped by bride and groom.

Cultural Context

Wedding; Hinduism.

Iconographic Meaning

Gods, animals, symbols, and flowers represent virtue, beauty, and good fortune. Krishna with his sacred flute is associated with kindness and goodness. Ganesh, the elephant-headed, four-armed god, overcomes obstacles and bears good luck. Surya, the sun god, represents life and fertility; cows symbolize abundance. Elephants represent power and authority; peacocks symbolize beauty and immortality; a rat is the vahana of Ganesh and the swastika is his sign; shape corresponds to longitudinal section of gabled shrine.

Item History

Made in Gujarat, India before January 30, 1985
Owned by Milton Israel before January 30, 1985
Received from Milton Israel (Donor) and Beverly Israel (Donor) on January 30, 1985