Figure Item Number: Eg22 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Modeled clay figure of a dog seated on a flat base. Mainly hollow construction. Dog wears collar and tongue protrudes. Figure is painted red-brown with dark yellow collar. Black shading and grey base.
History Of Use
Religious offerings are made by velar potters, usually by special arrangement. These offerings are presented to Hindu village gods during festivals and are installed in local temples. This offering is a gesture of respect to a god and small temple by providing both with a protector or watch dog. It would be placed inside the figure of a god or at the entrance to the temple.
Iconographic Meaning
Collar represents domesticity, ears' position, alertness, and tongue, devotion.
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
- Accession Number
- 0400/0013