Tamil Nadu
Wood
A fine and rare Chariot chariot panels of Mohini, the enchantress. Finely detailed, Mohini wears elaborate jewellery and her hair is in curled locks displaying a markedly European influence. She is depicted kneeling with her hands folded in anjali mudra. Remnants of the supporting wooden tenons are still attached.
Mohini is the only female avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. She is portrayed as a femme fatale, an enchantress, who maddens lovers, sometimes leading them to their doom. Mohini is introduced into the Hindu theology in the narrative epic of the Mahabharata. Here, she appears as a form of Vishnu, acquires the pot of Amrita (an elixir of immortality) from thieving asuras (demons), and gives it back to the devas (gods), helping them retain their immortality.
Chariots of Tamil Nadu, locally called ter, are intricate wooden structures of monumental size. The lower portion of the chariots are completely covered with timber panels carved with a wide range of figural and animal sculptures. These friezes, which constitute the finest wooden sculptures in the region, can be viewed only during the chariot festival; for the remainder of the year the chariots are parked in shelters to protect them from the sun and rain.
Size (cms): 40(H) x 23(W) x 15(D)
Size (inches): 15.5(H) x 9(W) x 6(D)
