-
Karnataka
brass alloy
A stylised repoussé circular plaque depicting striding Hanuman carrying a diminutive Rama on his head. Hanuman has his right hand raised in the Abhaya Mudra, a gesture of reassurance and safety, while his left hand he carries the magic plant which will cure Lakshmana (brother of Rama) who was wounded on the field of battle. Hanuman wears a pair of padukas on his feet beneath which lies a slain enemy. Two parrots and a five headed snake (naga) forms a canopy above the group. Such pendants would have been worn by itinerant Vaishnava mendicants.
Hanuman is a popular deity who is worshipped all over India, particularly in villages and in the South. His story is found in the Ramayana where he is the ubiquitous servant of Rama, the epitome of devoted service and loyalty. His search for the heroine Sita, captured by Ravana, illustrates his superhuman powers and zealous performance of the tasks that were given to him.
Size (cms): 13.5(H) x 11.5(W) x 4(D)
Size (inches): 5.5(H) x 4.5(W) x 1.5(D)
-
Karnataka
brass alloy
A stylised repoussé circular plaque depicting striding Hanuman carrying a diminutive Rama on his head. Hanuman has his right hand raised in the Abhaya Mudra, a gesture of reassurance and safety, while his left hand he carries the magic plant which will cure Lakshmana (brother of Rama) who was wounded on the field of battle. Hanuman wears a pair of padukas on his feet beneath which lies a slain enemy. Two parrots and a five headed snake (naga) forms a canopy above the group. Such pendants would have been worn by itinerant Vaishnava mendicants.
Hanuman is a popular deity who is worshipped all over India, particularly in villages and in the South. His story is found in the Ramayana where he is the ubiquitous servant of Rama, the epitome of devoted service and loyalty. His search for the heroine Sita, captured by Ravana, illustrates his superhuman powers and zealous performance of the tasks that were given to him.
Size (cms): 13.5(H) x 11(W) x 4(D)
Size (inches): 5.5(H) x 4.5(W) x 1.5(D)
-
Karnataka (South India)
brass alloy
A striking Hanuman face with a protruding mouth and nose, curving moustache, bulging eyes and forehead tilaka. He wears a necklace and a rimmed and pointed crown.
Mukhavata or facial masks are two-dimensional metal castings of the crowned or turbaned heads of various deities, mostly manifestations of Shiva and Parvati. Included in this group are Khandoba, Mallanna, Gauri and Hanuman and their regional variants who are worshipped under different names.
Hindu devotees believe that when an icon is consecrated and its eyes anointed by the priest, the figure becomes a living god. In household shrines in Maharastra and Karnataka, the deity was considered a privileged house guest and treated accordingly. Images of the god were bathed, clothed, bejeweled and nourished in preparation for puja and darshan. Often elaborate turbans were placed on the head of the mukha-vata and bound by the finest cloths usually in the auspicious deep red colour. In some cases the masks were mounted on a wooden framework and covered with cloths. Sometimes separate metal cast arms and legs were attached to the figure, thus providing a more realistic depiction of the deity.
Size (cms): 35.5(H) x 26(W) x 11.5(D)
Size (inches): 14(H) x 10(W) x 4.5(D)
-
Karnataka (South India)
brass
A striking Hanuman face with a protruding mouth and nose, curving moustache, bulging eyes and forehead tilaka. He wears a necklace and a rimmed and pointed crown.
Mukhavata or facial masks are two-dimensional metal castings of the crowned or turbaned heads of various deities, mostly manifestations of Shiva and Parvati. Included in this group are Khandoba, Mallanna, Gauri and their regional variants who are worshipped under different names.
The story of Hanuman is found in the Ramayana where he is the ubiquitous servant, the epitome of devoted service and loyalty. His search for the heroine Sita, captured by Ravana, illustrates his superhuman powers and zealous performance of the tasks that were given to him.
Size (cms): 32(H) x 19(W) x 11(D)
Size (inches): 12.5(H) x 7.5(W) x 4.5(D)
-
Maharashtra
silver
A charming yet worn figure of Hanuman standing with his hands held together. His tail extends from the right hip upward terminating above his head.
The story of Hanuman is found in the Ramayana where he is the ubiquitous servant, the epitome of devoted service and loyalty. His search for the heroine Sita, captured by Ravana, illustrates his superhuman powers and zealous performance of the tasks that were given to him.
Size (cms): 8.8(H) x 3.1(W) x 4.6(D)
Size (inches): 3.5(H) x 1(W) x 2(D)
-
Orissa
Wood, polychromed
A decorative Hanuman festival mask from Orissa in good condition, retaining its original color and patina. The mask features a tiered crown, intricately detailed and painted, with a pair of makaras on either edge. At the center of the crown, amidst floral and geometric decorations, is a painted mace, Hanuman’s weapon of choice. The mask is marked with a prominent Vaishnavite tilak on Hanuman’s forehead. The anthropomorphic Hanuman is depicted with a prominent mandrill, rows of exposed teeth, and a long curling moustache. Tiny ovular slits beneath the eyes facilitate navigation for the dancer while wearing the mask.
Hanuman is a popular deity who is worshipped all over India, particularly in villages and in the South. His story is found in the Ramayana where he is the ubiquitous servant of Rama, the epitome of devoted service and loyalty. His search for the heroine Sita, captured by Ravana, illustrates his superhuman powers and zealous performance of the tasks that were given to him.
Shahi Jatras (royal processions) of Orissa present different episodes from the Ramayana during the spring season, usually lasting for for one week. Actors, carrying huge wooden masks and gorgeous costumes, walk on the streets with stylized gait and mime with the accompaniment of loud drumming. The Desia Nata of Koraput, Orissa, also uses masks for representing gods, goddesses, animals, birds and demons. These themes are also taken from Ramayana.
Mask Size (cms): 51(H) x 38(W) x 20(D), 58.5(H with Stand)
Mask Size (inches): 20(H) x 15(W) x 8(D), 23(H with Stand)
