Central India
Brass alloy
An extremely unusual palanquin pole finial attachment taking the sculptural form of a vyali. Unlike traditional palanquin finials which are carved towards their apexes, this one depicts the body and legs of the vyali, which is depicted in a crouching posture. Well defined features include a pointed nose, upturned tail, large wavy brows culminating in small protruding ears and a large sunburst mane. The open mouthed and grinning vyali chews on the head of a decapitated man which it holds with its front paws.
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) x 14(W) x 7(D)
Size (inches): 4.5(H) x 5.5(W) x 3(D)
