Kalai Figure Item Number: Eg16 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Modeled clay figure of a bull. Hollow construction of basic form with details applied. The bull wears a full bridle collar of bells, and a multicoloured back blanket with geometric designs. The horns are decorated on the tips and a forehead ornament is attached around the horns. There are yellow rings around each ankle.
History Of Use
Figures of the village offerings are made, usually by special arrangement by velar potters. These offerings are presented during a village festival at a local temple, clay bulls from the size of this example to over life-size are offered, often several at a time and in conjunction with horses, 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
Bull: is revered and holy animal in India and is considered a suitable mount for the village gods through its association in classical Hinduism with the great god Shiva.
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
- 0400/0007