Figure Item Number: Eg25 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Modeled clay figure of a coiled cobra. Head is raised. Figure is painted in yellow and black. A small piece of wire protrudes from mouth for the tongue.
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 snake is offered in the hope that the god will intervene to keep the devotee and his relations free of snakebites.
Cultural Context
ritual; religious offering
Iconographic Meaning
The cobra is the acknowledged leader of snakes and carries great influence.
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
- 0400/0016