Tamil Nadu
polychromed terracotta
An unusual Camel vahana with lovely patina and extensive polychroming. The camel is depicted mid-stride walking within tall foliage. Terracotta toys were used as ritual display in temples during important festivals such as Holi, Shivaratri and Durga Puja.
Camels, along with Horses are considered the vahana of the God Khandoba (Shiva). However the horse is the ‘vahana’ commonly associated with Khandoba – the camel is rarely seen. Sometimes camel figures are to be found without a rider. Although camels were used extensively in the Rajasthan deserts to carry trade goods etc., camel figures from this region are relatively rare. The primary function of the vahana or vehicle was to provide transport through the cosmos for the deity, although in some cases the strength and fearsome power of the animal was used to combat evil forces. This was especially true of Durga on her vahana the lion.
Size (cms): 13.5(H) x 13.5(W) x 6(D)
Size (inches): 5.5(H) x 5.5(W) x 2.5(D)
