Central India
Brass alloy
An ornamental palanquin pole finial in the sculptural form of a makara with a pointed nose, large wavy brows culminating in small protruding ears and ovular eyes. The makara is open-mouthed, exposing large teeth and a small extended tongue. A collar in the form of a festooned necklace with a central medallion hangs between the makara’s outstretched paws.
Palanquins or sedan chairs were used throughout India, the larger ones to transport people and the smaller ones for religious deities to be taken around the temple complex on festival days. The present example is from the latter category. It was fitted to the wooden forward pole of the palanquin; the rear pole was usually covered with a simple metal cover or cylinder.
Size (cms): 15.5(H) x 12(W) x 29(D)
Size (inches): 6(H) x 4.5(W) x 11.5(D)
