Figure

Item number Eg23 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Modelled clay figure of a cat seated on a flat base. Mainly hollow construction. Eyes painted in yellow, body in grey tones, and base also in grey.

History Of Use

Religious offerings are made by velar potters, usually by special arrangement. These offerings are presented to Hindu village gods during festivals and are installed in local temples. This offering is extremely unusual and limited to the most rural and isolated villages where small wildcats of the hilly areas of south India can be found. The cat may cause harm to villagers and their livestock. Through this offering, intervention of the god is sought.

Cultural Context

ritual; religious offering

Item History

What

Name
Figure
Identification Number
Eg23
Type of Item
figure
Material
paint and clay
Manufacturing Technique
modelled, fired and painted
Overall
height 5.1 in, width 11.0 in

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

Who

Culture
South India
Creator
K. Muthusamy Velar (Maker)
Previous Owner
Stephen Inglis
Received from
Stephen Inglis (Seller) and Unknown (Funding source)

When

Creation Date
during February 1975
Ownership Date
before November 1975
Acquisition Date
during November 1975

Other

Item Classes
ceramics; carvings & sculpture
Condition
good
Accession Number
0400/0014
This work is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 2.5 Canada License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available by emailing info@moa.ubc.ca.

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