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Bronze
17th Century

Nayak Dynasty

Tamil Nadu

Height: 9 in (22.9 cm)


Garuda, the king of birds, is a mythical figure having the beak and talons of a predatory bird and the body of a man. He is the vahana or 'vehicle' of Lord Vishnu. Garuda signifies great speed and strength and frequently appears in ancient mythology. He was said to be so massive that he could block the sun. The stature of Garuda can be gauged by the fact that an independent Upanishad 'Garudopanishad' and a Purana 'Garuda Purana' are devoted to him.

This lovely bronze head of Garuda portrays him with a beak-like nose, large open eyes, finely curved eyebrows, a thick moustache and wearing an unusual round-topped crown, entwined by a serpent. The object would have formed part of a full bodied bronze sculpture of Garuda in either a standing or kneeling posture. The facial features closely resemble portraiture of the Nayak dynasty. This coupled with the type of casting and patina help date the piece to the late 17th century - the Nayak period.

Unlike stones, it is rather unusual to find a head in bronze. This sculpture has good size and a lovely, much sought after subject.

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