Title
Detachable limbs for deities
Year/Period
19th-20th centuries
Region
Tamil Nadu, South India
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 001: H:29.5 x W:7.0 x D:7.3 cm,
Object size: 002: H:30.5 x W:5.0 x D:7.4 cm
Object size: 002: H:30.5 x W:5.0 x D:7.4 cm
Accession No.
1995-00607
Collection of
These detachable arms are used as ritual accessories for the 'utsavar' or processional deity during a festive occasion. During festivals, the deity would be placed on chariots or their respective vahanas (mounts) and taken out for public viewing or darshana. Darshana refers to the occasion where the devotee is not only able to see but sense the omnipresence of the deity through the image. To enhance the visibility of the utsavar, they would be elaborately dressed. Sometimes additional hands or legs are also added to increase the physical presence of the image and enable it to stand, sit or hold multiple weapons.
