Important Notice

Brass

20th century
Bastar, Chhattisgarh

Height: 8 in (20.3 cm)
Width: 5 in (12.7 cm)
Depth: 9 in (22.9 cm)


Bastar is a predominantly tribal district in south Chhattisgarh, where various art and craft traditions with important socio-religious functions are practiced. This sculpture represents an elephant, the 'vahana' or vehicle of the goddess Danteshwari Mata. A sculpture of the deity, most likely seated on a swing withn a howdah, would have been placed on the back of the elephant. Danteshwari Mata is the tutelary deity of Bastar and the Kakatiya dynasty from Warangal that first settled in the region. Sometimes, instead of a mahout, the Maharaja of Bastar is depicted riding the elephant with Danteshwari Mata. Both the elephant and the Maharaja are also considered divinities by the tribals of Bastar. Although part of its trunk is missing, this elephant's large head is finely detailed, like the figure of the mahout.

Created using the 'lost wax' or cire perdue method of casting by professional metal casters known as 'ghadvas', this piece is finely detailed and demonstrates the skill and precision of the craftspeople of Bastar.

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