Coastal Karnataka (Bhuta culture)
Wood, polychromed
This primitive standing boar is painted in the folk bhuta style of coastal Karnataka. It displays a typical stylised form, its body is painted blue with white stippling, large eyes, prominent tusks and adorned with an ornamental red and yellow jhool (saddle cloth).
The bhuta tradition is popular on the Malabar coast. Bounded by the dramatic sweep of the forested ghats to the east and the Arabian sea to the west, and encircled by rivers, the South Kanara district of coastal Karnataka has enjoyed relative geographic isolation until recent years. In Tulu Nadu, hordes of boars often invaded and destroyed the cultivated lands so the farmers started worshipping and giving offerings to Panjurli, the spirit in the form of a boar, thinking that this would appease his mood and thus keep the wild animals away from their fields.
Size (cms): 32(H) x 41(W) x 15(D)
Size (inches): 12.5(H) x 16(W) x 6(D)
