Maharashtra/ Karnataka
brass with pigments
This rare and appealing horse head is depicted in a naturalistic manner, wearing a patterned bit and bridle. The protruding red tongue adds a whimsical flair to the handsome head. This head would have been a part of saddled horse vahana cast in perhaps two sections including a head and frontal half. Being cast in sections it would either have been used as a complete image or as a ‘half horse’ kept against a backdrop adorned with floral garlands and vermillion.
Shiva was, and still is, the tutelary deity of Maharashtra, originally being a tribal protective deity. As Khandoba, he was widely worshipped throughout this region and contiguous areas of Karnataka, Rajasthan and Andra Pradesh where he is also called Mallanna and Khanderao. The traditional vahana (vehicle) of Shiva is Nandi, the bull, however in the form of Khandoba he is usually portrayed on horseback and occasionally on a camel or elephant.
Size (cms): 32(H) x 36(W) x 16.5(D), 42 (H with stand)
Size (inches): 12.5(H) x 14(W) x 6.5(D), 16.5 (H with stand)
