Kudirai Figure Item Number: Eg15 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Modelled clay figure of a horse. Hollow construction of basic form with details applied. The horse wears a full multicoloured bridle, saddle blanket, collar and strap of bells.
History Of Use
Figures of the village offerings are made, usually by special arrangements by velar potters. These offerings are usually made during a village festival at a local temple. Clay horses, from the size of this example to over life-sized are offered, often five or six at a time and occasionally in even greater numbers as vehicles for the great village gods to ride on their nightly protective rounds. These are set up in front of or inside the village temple.
Iconographic Meaning
Horse: although not indigenous nor even common in south India, it is associated with the great heroes and the gods through popular history and mythology. It is the most common mount of the village gods.
Cultural Context
ritual; religious offering
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
- 0400/0006