Tamil Nadu
Wood
A finely carved and rare chariot panel depicting Vishnu seated on the shoulders of Garuda. The four-armed Vishnu carries a discus (chakra) and conch shell (shankha) in his upper hands while his lower hands are in abhaya and varada mudra. The kneeling Garuda holds up Vishnu in an act of devotion. A prabhavali, formed by a pair of rishis (sages) on columns holding up a Kirtimukha, creates a ceremonial arch around Vishnu and his vahana.
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): 51(H) x 20(W) x 11.5(D)
Size (inches): 20(H) x 8(W) x 4.5(D)
