E1257: India- Clay Figurine, Priest Begging

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E1257

Classification Category:

8:Communication Artifacts ➞ Art/Folk Art

Marks/Labels:

None

Materials:

binding agents ➔ joiners ➔ metal wire ➔ armature
animal ➔ hair
clay ➔ ceramic ➔ earthenware
fabric ➔ cloth
fabric ➔ cordage

Dimensions:

7 cm L
10 cm W
27 cm H

Provenance of Object:

Artisans in Krishnanagar made this art form and sold them in Nearby Calcutta with the intention of selling them to western tourists.

Ethnic Group:

Asian ➞ India ➞ West Bengal ➞ Krishnanagar

Production Date:

Late 19th century

Use/Function:

These objects are a popular art form of 19th century West Bengal. This form of art used clay figurines to depict the social caste system of 19th century India.

Source Locality:

Object is from Krishnanagar, India. Krishnanagar is famous for its art production.

Acquisition Date:

1874 – 1885

Description:

Indian clay figurine from Krishnanagar. This figure shows a begging priest as he would be seen in 19th century India.

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