Carved Teak Chariot Carving Of Shiva & Parvati - 18th Century

This carved teak chariot panel is from Tamil Nadu in South India and dates to the late 18th century. The central figure is the Hindu god Shiva, The Destroyer who demolishes in order for the world to be created anew.

On his left is his consort Parvati, the mother of the goddess Ganesh. On his right is his trident or trishula, his eternal symbol. In his left hand he holds a deer symbolising the four Vedas & spiritual freedom. Originally coated with pitch, a tar like substance to protect the carvings, this has been removed although some remnants remain. 

The chariots (also known as Ratha Yatra) were decorated with carved teak images - mostly of religious significance. They are enormous temples on wheels that are drawn through the streets by hundreds of people.

In Orissa the Ratha Yatra carry an image of Krishna known locally as Lord Jaganath. This is the origin of the word Juggernaut which we use to describe large trucks.

Dimesnions:

22 x 8 x 46 (wxdxh cms)

Condition:

This piece is in excellent condition for its significant age, however, the single missing left hand should be noted. See photographs for further details. 

From India

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