Carved Elephant Corbel From South India - Late 18th Century

This beautifully carved architectural bracket is from a set of four and would have come from a large chariot called a 'Rath' or sometimes 'Juggernaut'. These giant rolling temples from South India were pulled by teams of devotional worshipers often hundreds strong. Beautiful carvings like this often adorned the chariots. This piece has significant age and dates to the latter part of the 18^th century. 

In India, the elephant was considered regal and a symbol of cosmic splendour. When depicted emerging from the ocean, the elephant is associated with fertility. 

Supplied with a simple matt black base, hangers can also be supplied on request.