Dwarf warrior holding a spear

Carved as an architectural component supporting the temple chariot in the form of a bracket, this artefact shows a gana or a dwarf in an Indian dance pose. He is holding a long spear which is now broken in parts that runs diagonally across his chest. Treated as a door guardian, this artefact shows the exquisite craftsmanship of the wood carvers in Tamil Nadu. The most spectacular part of a temple festival is the chariot procession in which the processional image or utsava murthi is placed in wooden chariots called as thers or rathas and paraded along the streets. Many such beautiful carvings are seen on the thers.

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Four armed warrior bracket

Four-armed Gana bracket

Figure of warrior

Shield