Minneapolis Institute of Art

Processional image of a Large Swan (Velya Annam)

India (Kerala)

Date

19th century

Medium

Jack fruit wood, pigments, cloth, mirrors, coconut rhinoceros beetle wings, paper

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This radiating “large swan” bust would have formed part of a processional structure measuring more than 40 feet tall. Unique to the Neelamperoor Pally Bhagavathi Temple, in the southwestern coastal state of Kerala, it was commissioned as an effigy of the goddess Kali during the Pooram Padayani festival. It is believed that once Kali was satisfied, she could assume the benevolent role of fertility goddess and bless the harvest of the once largely farm-based economy. The elaborately constructed effigy remains a highlight of this annual ritual. It is remarkable that an essentially ephemeral processional sculpture of this scale, age, and quality is so well preserved. The fluid integration of varied materials (cloth, mirrors, pigment, and wood) into a mesmerizing pattern demonstrates the wonders of Kerala’s ritual aesthetics. Recent conservation of this sculpture was made possible by a generous contribution from Leela and Kevin Scattum. India, Asia

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