Bronze Utsava Murti Horse From Karnataka – 19th Century

This rare Indian bronze horse figure is most likely a procession image or Utsav Murti. Utsava Murti were portable festival images carried through the steets. The horse is a manifestation of Khandoba (a fearsome avatar of Lord Shiva). Khandoba (or Mallana in Andhra Pradesh) is manifest by the presence of his horse. After the festival, the figure would have returned to the temple. 

The horse has a central hole where a pole would have been affixed. Flowers would have been hung around the neck as the followers processed through the streets. An image of this can be seen in L. S. Figiel, Ritual Bronzes of Maharashtra & Karnataka, page 88. 

The horse is cast in bronze in three sections, a technique unique to Maharashtra & Karnataka. These figures are rare to find outside India. This example was purchased at auction in London. 

Dimensions:

55 x 23 x 57 (wxdxh cm)

From India

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