Hanging Lamp with Hamsa Finial

A fine two-tiered temple  lamp with a Hamsa (goose) final. The upper circular reservoir with five lotus petal shaped spouts in each of which a wick would be placed.

The Hamsa is a familiar motif in Indian art, literature, sculpture and textiles. It is an aquatic bird that resembles a goose or a swan. It is reputed to eat pearls and to be able to separate milk from water. The Hamsa is seen as a symbol of purity, detachment, divine knowledge, cosmic breath (prana) and the highest spiritual accomplishment.

Hanging lamps, sometimes called chain lamps, may have originated from as far afield as Greece or Rome, entering South Asia from the early ports of Arikamedu and Mammalapuram (both near present day Chennai). Used primarily in a temple context, the chain lamp cast its light broadly, and in so doing extended spiritual agency. Much like other lamp types, it served as a backdrop to images placed before it on the altar. A group of hanging  temple lamps within the temple would have generated a tremendous play of light and shadows over walls, ceilings and floors.