Karnataka
Brass alloy
A diminutive palanquin pole finial taking the sculptural form of a makara head with small pointed ears, beady eyes and a gaping mouth. The emotive expression of the makara, with his open mouth is powerful yet unthreatening, underlying its protective function, benign in character though capable of potential ferocity when attacked. It is almost as if he is showing off, displaying his power and status, probably reflecting that of the palanquin’s grand passenger.
The Makara is a mythical aquatic creature that combines the body of a crocodile with the head of a lion and the trunk of an elephant. One of India’s most ancient symbols, harking back more than two thousand years, it is considered auspicious symbol within Hinduism.
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): 13.5(H with stand) x 9.5(W) x 5(D)
Size (inches): 5.5(H with stand) x 3.5(W) x 2(D)
