Figure Item Number: Eg23 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Modelled clay figure of a cat seated on a flat base. Mainly hollow construction. Eyes painted in yellow, body in grey tones, and base also in grey.
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 extremely unusual and limited to the most rural and isolated villages where small wildcats of the hilly areas of south India can be found. The cat may cause harm to villagers and their livestock. Through this offering, intervention of the god is sought.
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
- 0400/0014