Kannimar Figure Item Number: Eg14 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Modelled clay composition consisting of seven female figures seated side by side on a hollow rectangular base. Each figure wears a short tunic and long skirt, a hair dressing with an offset knot, a simple pendant around the neck, and carries a flower bud in the hand except the second from the right which lost an arm in the firing and the second from the left which through some confusion has both hands in the lap.
History Of Use
Figure of the village gods are made by Velar potters, usually by specific arrangement. These figures are installed in the village temple during a festival, in conjunction with or rather than stone images. The figures are worshipped periodically and replaced with new figures as often as once a year.
Cultural Context
ritual; religious offering
Iconographic Meaning
Kannimar: the seven virgins. Popular, secondary, village deities who is consulted for many problems including illness and childbirth. They are dressed in the style of the ancient kingdoms, including offset hair knot. Each holds a lotus bud, symbol of the cosmos and of enlightenment. The bulging eyes are a symbol of power.
Item History
- Made by K. Muthusamy Velar (Maker) in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India during February 1975
- Owned by Stephen Inglis before November 1975
- Received from Stephen Inglis (Seller) and Unknown (Funding source) during November 1975
What
Who
- Culture
- South India
- Creator
- K. Muthusamy Velar (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Stephen Inglis
- Received from
- Stephen Inglis (Seller) and Unknown (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
When
- Creation Date
- during February 1975
- Ownership Date
- before November 1975
- Acquisition Date
- during November 1975
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics; carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 104
- Accession Number
- 0400/0005