putul (Doll)

Bengali potters of the (Kumara) Kumbhakara caste are heirs to a long tradition in village and urban areas. Production of clay pots and vessels for everyday use is their regular occupation. However, images for votive offerings are also important and are variously represented as fertility figures, protective symbols (horses, elephants), or gods. The animal and human figures sold as toys have a close affinity in shape and character to the votive images. In fact, the same image often fulfills both purposes. Clay objects are now produced for the handicrafts industry.

toy;ornament

Bird mother motif. Ancient image associated with theriomorphic figures of ancestral bird deities.

Two figures on boat-like base in black-finished clay. Figures have pinched faces, female torsos, wing-like arms, and hair knots, each with an added piece. Eyes are perforated. Markings are incised. Boat-like base has incised lines decorating edges.