Portable shrine (kavad) bearing images of Rama, Lakshmi, and Sita
Maker
Unidentified artist
Date20th century
Mediumcarved and assembled wood with blue, yellow, green, red pigments
Dimensions12 1/4 x 8 1/4 inches (31.1 x 21 cm)
CultureIndian
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineGift of Sarita Hopkins Weeks, in memory of her mother, Sara Sessions Hopkins
Terms
- Sculpture
- red pigments
- Animals
- Birds
- Carriages
- Horses
- Lakshmi
- Plants
- Rama
- Religious buildings
- Shrines
- Sita
Object number81.040.035
Label CopyThis portable shrine, devoted to Vishnu, would have been carried by the Kavadiabhat, a sect of Hindu priests who travel to small or remote villages to share religious education with villagers who do not have ready access to a local temple.
As an avatar of Vishnu, Rama and his story would be included in the depictions on the shrine, as are further illustrations relating to Vishnu’s many incarnations. Prominent among the Ramayana scenes is Rama and Lakshmana battling the multi-headed Ravana in the open panel at left. Below, monkeys and bears represent Hanuman’s army that aided Rama in his defeat of Ravana and rescue of Sita.
Collections
Unidentified artist
Unidentified artist
