Karnataka
brass alloy
A stylised repoussé circular plaque depicting striding Hanuman carrying a diminutive Rama on his head. Hanuman has his right hand raised in the Abhaya Mudra, a gesture of reassurance and safety, while his left hand he carries the magic plant which will cure Lakshmana (brother of Rama) who was wounded on the field of battle. Hanuman wears a pair of padukas on his feet beneath which lies a slain enemy. Two parrots and a five headed snake (naga) forms a canopy above the group. Such pendants would have been worn by itinerant Vaishnava mendicants.
Hanuman is a popular deity who is worshipped all over India, particularly in villages and in the South. His story is found in the Ramayana where he is the ubiquitous servant of Rama, the epitome of devoted service and loyalty. His search for the heroine Sita, captured by Ravana, illustrates his superhuman powers and zealous performance of the tasks that were given to him.
Size (cms): 13.5(H) x 11.5(W) x 4(D)
Size (inches): 5.5(H) x 4.5(W) x 1.5(D)
