Antique Indian Bastar Bronze Hindu Temple Pull Toy Chariot With Elephants On Wheels.
$800.00
Huge antique 19th-century Indian bronze Hindu temple offering a figural pull toy on wheels. It is in the form of a chariot with a driver and is pulled by two elephants. It is from India, specifically from Bastar.
These cast bronze temple offerings, known as "Temple Toys," were used as devotional donations to the temples of Hindu deities Khandoba and Shiva in Central India and the temples of Ayyannar and Karuppusamy in Tamil Nadu.
The temple staff would give bronze temple toys to children waiting for their parents during temple services. It was believed that these bronze figures allowed the Deity to come to the aid of the devotee in times of need.
Most of the temple toys for sale are products from the 20th and 21st centuries, made of brass rather than bronze, like the old temple toys.
Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
MEASUREMENTS:
Overall length: 36 cm (14.17 inches).
Width at the widest point: 20 cm (7.87 inches).
Height: 16 cm (6.3 inches).
Weight: 4.220 kg. (9 lbs.)
CONDITION:
Showing age and usage with an excellent natural dark patina.
