Aiyanar Figure Item Number: Eg10 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Modeled clay figure of a seated male on a hollow cubical base. One knee is pulled up and the other hangs loosely. The right arm is upraised clutching the handle of an implement, most of which is broken off. The other arm rests on the knee. The figure wears elaborate jewelry, a high headdress, and flowing lower garment. The clay is unpainted.
History Of Use
Figures of the village gods are made, usually by specific arrangement, by velar potters. These figures are installed during a festival in a local village temple, in conjunction with or rather than permanent stone images. The figures are worshipped periodically and replaced with new figures as often as once a year.
Iconographic Meaning
Aiyanar: principal god of village people in south India. His dress and ornament reflect his status as an ascetic and heroic king in the traditional fashion. He patrols the village boundary at night and intercedes in numerous important problems.
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
- 0400/0001