Aiyanar Figure
About this object
History of use
Figures of the village gods are made, usually by specific arrangement, by velar potters. These figures are installed during a festival in a local village temple, in conjunction with or rather than permanent stone images. The figures are worshipped periodically and replaced with new figures as often as once a year.
Cultural context
ritual; religious offering
Iconographic meaning
Aiyanar: principal god of village people in south India. His dress and ornament reflect his status as an ascetic and heroic king in the traditional fashion. He patrols the village boundary at night and intercedes in numerous important problems.
Physical description
Modeled clay figure of a seated male on a hollow cubical base. One knee is pulled up and the other hangs loosely. The right arm is upraised clutching the handle of an implement, most of which is broken off. The other arm rests on the knee. The figure wears elaborate jewelry, a high headdress, and flowing lower garment. The clay is unpainted.