Tamil Nadu
polychromed terracotta
An attractive Dog vahana with lovely patina and extensive polychroming. Terracotta toys were used as ritual display in temples during important festivals such as Holi, Shivaratri and Durga Puja.
According to Hindu myth, the dog was originally created by Brahma who then asked him to find and serve the greatest creature on earth. The dog, understandably, settled upon the elephant as his master. However, when he was rebuked for barking at night, lest he attract the attention of a lion, he realised he had made the wrong choice and decided to serve the lion instead. But the lion in turn complained that his bark would attract a hunter. Finally the dog found its right master, the hunter, who abided his barking without fear of a more powerful creature.
Size (cms): 11.5(H) x 8.5(W) x 5.5(D)
Size (inches): 4.5(H) x 3.5(W) x 2(D)
