half-conical open base made of bands of graduated sizes (breast of bird); head with large eyes and scrolling beak with headcrest and pair of "ears"; fan of peacock-like tailfeathers; scrolling motifs and wheel-like roundels; brown, red, black, and white; received attached to small wheeled base with metal armature/stand

Processional image of a Large Swan (Velya Annam), 19th century

Unknown artist, expand_more

This radiating “large swan” bust would have formed part of a processional structure measuring more than 40 feet tall. Unique to the Neelamperoor Pally Bhagavathi Temple, in the southwestern coastal state of Kerala, it was commissioned as an effigy of the goddess Kali during the Pooram Padayani festival. It is believed that once Kali was satisfied, she could assume the benevolent role of fertility goddess and bless the harvest of the once largely farm-based economy.

The elaborately constructed effigy remains a highlight of this annual ritual. It is remarkable that an essentially ephemeral processional sculpture of this scale, age, and quality is so well preserved. The fluid integration of varied materials (cloth, mirrors, pigment, and wood) into a mesmerizing pattern demonstrates the wonders of Kerala’s ritual aesthetics.

Recent conservation of this sculpture was made possible by a generous contribution from Leela and Kevin Scattum.

Details
Title
Processional image of a Large Swan (Velya Annam)
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2019.7a-f
Curator Approved

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half-conical open base made of bands of graduated sizes (breast of bird); head with large eyes and scrolling beak with headcrest and pair of "ears"; fan of peacock-like tailfeathers; scrolling motifs and wheel-like roundels; brown, red, black, and white; received attached to small wheeled base with metal armature/stand