Toy Item Number: Ef240 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Unglazed clay elephant figure with incised trunk markings. The tail, tusks, ears, and toes are appliqued. The eyes are pelleted and the trunk is slightly curved to the side.
History Of Use
Bengali potters of the (Kumara) Kumbhakara caste are heirs to a long tradition in village and urban areas. Production of clay pots and vessels for everyday use is their regular occupation. However, images for votive offerings are also important and are variously represented as fertility figures, protective symbols (horses, elephants), or gods. The animal and human figures sold as toys have a close affinity in shape and character to the votive images. In fact, the same image often fulfills both purposes. This figure was purchased in Gariahat market, Calcutta. Made for sale in pottery sections of markets.
Iconographic Meaning
The elephant is an auspicious symbol, and guardian image as shown by the characteristics of Ganesh, Hindu deity, the remover of all obstacles, or the elephant as Vahana (vehicle) of Indra.
Item History
- Made in Calcutta, West Bengal, India before 1976
- 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
Who
- Culture
- Bengali
- Previous Owner
- Stephen Inglis
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) and Stephen Inglis (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Calcutta, West Bengal, India
When
- Creation Date
- before 1976
- Collection Date
- during 1975
- Ownership Date
- before December 2, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on December 2, 1977
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0411/0036