Karnataka
Wood, polychromed
A finely carved wooden hand, with original polychroming wearing bangles and rings. Originally from an articulated multi-armed processional figure of a Devi. During festive occasions, the utsavar (portable figures of deities) are placed on chariots or pedestals in the mandapam (audience hall of a temple) or on their respective vahana (vehicle) and taken out for public viewing or darshana. Darshana refers to the occasion where the devotee is not only able to see the image of the deity but also to sense its omnipresence. To enhance the visibility of the utsavar, they are elaborately dressed in dhoti or sari, garlanded with flowers and decked with the most exquisite jewellery, made of gold and semi-precious stones before being brought out in procession. Sometimes additional hands or legs are added to increase the physical presence of the image. These features may allow the deity to stand, sit or clasp multiple weapons.
Size with the Stand (cms): 34(H) x 13(W) x 7.5(D)
Size with the Stand (inches): 13.5(H) x 5(W) x 3(D)
