Karnataka
Brass alloy
A brass palanquin pole finial taking the sculptural form of a makara head with an elephantine trunk, with bulbous eyes, pointed ears 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.
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): 11.5(H with stand) x 13.5(W) x 5(D)
Size (inches): 4.5(H with stand) x 5.5(W) x 2(D)
