Puddukottai, Tamilnadu
Polychromed terracotta
A terracotta votive bull, modelled in a compact, stylised form with short legs and a sturdy body. The head is painted bright yellow, with a red snout, outlined eyes, and a red collar around the neck. The horns are boldly coloured, one in red and the other in green, adding a striking contrast.
Figures like these, of men, women, children, and animals such as dogs and nandis, are commonly offered to Ayyanar, a folk deity worshipped in many parts of Tamil Nadu. These votive figures are typically found clustered in sanctuaries, often near the forest and village boundaries, as well as along the inner wall of the Ayyanar temple. The deity has been traditionally installed at the centre of his shrine by means of a stone slab surrounded by offerings of terracotta figures, including horses, elephants, bullocks, dogs, and figures of guards and warriors.
Traditionally, at least one figure of a bull was offered to Lord Ayyanar at each festival. Ayyanar is a powerful male deity who protects the villagers’ lives and property from evil spirits. Devotees offer such votive figures to fulfil vows made earlier for protection in adverse circumstances. Made hollow, using the coil technique with a mixture of clay and rice husk, these figures are painted in white lime, coal black, turmeric and red ochre after being fired in a kiln.
Size (cms): 15(H) x 15(W) x 6(D)
Size (inches): 6(H) x 6(W) x 2.5(D)
