Yanai Figure Item Number: Eg17 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Modeled clay figure of an elephant. Hollow construction of basic form with details applied. The elephant wears a multicolour collar of bells, back blanket and forehead cover.
History Of Use
Figures of the village offerings are made by Velar potters, usually by special arrangements. These offerings are presented during a village festival at a local temple. Clay elephants, from the size of this example to over life-size, are offered usually in conjunction with horses or bulls for the great village gods to ride on their nightly rounds. They are set up inside or in front of the temple.
Iconographic Meaning
Elephant: is a revered animal in India and is considered to be lucky. It is associated with the god Ganesh and as the vehicle of the Vedic god, Indira. He is a suitable mount for the village gods although now rarely seen.
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
- 0400/0008