Karnataka (South India)
Wood, polychromed
An unusual vermillion box with a stylised Hamsa (goose) on the lid, and five containers inside.
The hamsa a mythological aquatic bird that resembles a goose or a swan. The hamsa is one of the most important of the Indian birds and is a familiar motif in Indian art, literature, sculpture and textiles. Revered by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, it plays a prominent role in mythology, folklore, literature and religion. In Vedic times the hamsa was connected with the sun and represented virility. It is reputed to eat pearls and to be able to separate milk from water. The hamsa is the vahana of Brahma.
Sindoor is a traditional vermilion red or orange-red colored cosmetic powder from India, usually worn by married women along the part of their hair. In Hindu communities the use of sindoor indicates a woman is married and ceasing to wear it usually implies widowhood. Sindoor originally comes from the sindoor tree and is used mainly for religious purposes, when worshiping the deity and other Hindu rituals. The main component of modern traditional sindooram is usually turmeric.
Size (cms): 8(H) x 20(W) x 12(D)
Size (inches): 3(H) x 8(W) x 4.5(D)
