Lamp Item Number: Ef323 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Multiple-dish lamp (dipa) with female figure (Lakshmi) riding an elephant and holding a pot above her head. Loops on pot, lamp bowls, and elephant would once have hung with small ornaments.
History Of Use
For use in a small temple or household; the dish would be filled with vegetable oil, and a twisted piece of cotton, partially immersed, would be used as a wick.
Cultural Context
daily worship
Iconographic Meaning
Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity and consort of Vishnu,is symbolized by a lota (pot); the elephant is an auspicious symbol. Lamp itself with its light symbolizes the presence of god in Hindu belief.
Item History
- Made in India
- Collected between 1955 and 1973
- Owned by Victor Hardy before December 11, 1979
- Received from Victor Hardy (Donor) on December 11, 1979
What
- Name
- Lamp
- Identification Number
- Ef323
- Type of Item
- lamp
- Material
- bronze metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- cast
- Overall
- height 9.0 cm, width 19.0 cm, depth 17.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Indian: Northern Indian and Indian: Central Indian
- Previous Owner
- Victor Hardy
- Received from
- Victor Hardy (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- India
When
- Collection Date
- between 1955 and 1973
- Ownership Date
- before December 11, 1979
- Acquisition Date
- on December 11, 1979
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- poor
- Current Location
- Case 105
- Accession Number
- 0580/0099