Coastal Karnataka (Bhuta culture)
Wood, polychromed
A decorative and finely carved attendant figure, known as Chikku in the Bhuta tradition. The figure is painted in vivid red, her posture defined by one arm raised, the fist clenched, while the other hangs straight at her side. She wears a fitted blouse patterned with floral motifs and a richly painted green sari that drapes diagonally across her torso. It falls into sharply pleated folds at the front, secured by an ornately carved silver-toned belt. Her sumptuous jewellery, including layered necklaces, earrings, bangles, and a tiered crown.
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. This has enabled the region to retain specific pre-Hindu belief systems and associated rituals, virtually intact, over several hundred years. These practices have a distinct identity of their own, although they have become linked in a variety of ways with mainstream Hinduism. Though now primarily confined to Coastal Karnataka, Bhuta cults once existed all over India under different names and forms.
The factions, which are of considerable antiquity, have much in common with those of the yakshas (mysterious semi-divine beings), for instance. The figure here represents Chikku, a demure and pretty goddess with her hair curled neatly to one side. She falls into the first of three categories of Bhutas with other apotheosised human beings, such as Kallurti and his sister Kalkuda; the heroic war twins Kotti and Chennaya; Bobbaraya, the guardian of the seas and protector of fisherman.
Size (cms): 100(H) x 37(W) x 35(D)
Size (inches): 39.5(H) x 14.5(W) x 14(D)
