Figure Item Number: Eg24 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Modelled clay figure of a chicken standing on a flat base. Details painted on in life-like manner using colours of black, brown, red, and yellow. Grey for the 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 an unusual type seen in small villages. It represents a plea to the god to protect or ensure the productivity of a laying hen or to recover one which has been lost or stolen. Live hens are frequently sacrificed to village gods at festivals.

Cultural Context

ritual; religious offering

Item History

What

Name
Figure
Identification Number
Eg24
Type of Item
figure
Material
paint and clay
Manufacturing Technique
modelled, painted and fired
Overall
height 4.5 in, width 9.1 in

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
0400/0015