INDIAN REPOUSSE BRONZE BREAST PLATE (KAVACHAM)
19TH CENTURY
£1,700
Auction: 5 March 2014 at 11:00 GMT
Description
cast with a pair of serpents encircling the protruding breasts and stomach, within a pierced scroll border
Dimensions
50cm high, 44cm wide
Footnote
Note: This kavacham, most likely originating in South India, was probably made to adorn a female Hindu deity either at a temple or for private worship. Ancient rituals often included the dressing and adornment of a deity with the items worn taking on the attributes of the god/goddess. Serpents tradtionally are a symbol of fertility in Hindu culture so it can be assumed this kavacham was meant for a goddess of fertility. For a similar breastplate see Bonhams Indian Art Sale, 8th Oct 2013, lot 237.