Figure

Religious offerings are made by velar potters, usually by special arrangement. These offerings are presented to Hindu village gods during festivals and are installed in local temples. This type of offering is seen in small isolated villages. It is hoped that the god will protect the donor from the sting of the scorpion, a common pest in the dry areas of southern India.

ritual; religious offering

Modeled clay figure of a scorpion. Body made from cylinder of clay. Strips of clay laid over the top at intervals to represent legs. Painted in pastel yellow and red. Figure sits on flat oval-shaped base.