Important Notice

Wood
15th Century

Kerala

Height: 29.9 in (76 cms)



The mesmerizing wooden dwarpalikas or door guardians from Kerala have always fascinated many an antique collector. The ferocity, expression and power imparted to this particular iconography remains unparalleled. In ancient times, door guardians were carved in Kerala in both male as well as female forms. Quite interestingly, Dwarapalakas, the male forms, are meant to guard Shiva Temples or Vishnu Temples (male Gods) whereas the Dwarapalikas, the female forms played their role at Durga temples or any other temples of female deities. In ancient architecture they were placed on either side of the main entrance to the temple.

This very early and important piece is one such example. The powerful figure wears a head gear in the Kathakali style which is highly decorated. The hand would have once held a long sword which is missing. The earrings are extra large. The necklaces, rows of bangles, armlets, bracelets and anklets with minute detailing accentuate its beauty. The large floral garland is also carved in a Kathakali style. Her lower garment with rows of flaps hanging is unusual. The voluptuous body with a heavy bosom and large hips is very typical of the Kerala style of art. The bulging eyes and protruding teeth have a powerful look, and more than serve the purpose of warding off any evil. The most prominent feature quite obviously is the face. The expression is fierce with the eyes, mouth and fangs very deeply carved. The smaller teeth in between the fangs are worthy of notice. Like in most art forms, over the next few centuries, the quality of workmanship, depth and details diminished with decreasing patronage. Early Kerala wood of this quality and period are very rare to come by.

Early Kerala Wood

Kerala has had one of the earliest and finest wood working traditions in India. Stella Kramrisch, who published 'The Arts and Crafts of Travancore', conducted considerable research on the artforms of Kerala. During her research she found wood carvings dating as far back as 1214 A.D. One of the greatest Indian art experts, Douglas Barrett, set up a fine collection of important Kerala wood for the British Museum, which is still on display at the institution. Prince Lippe of Netherlands, a great art scholar, also travelled extensively to every nook and corner of Kerala to gather data on its arts. It is with the contributions of these experts that the importance of this style came to light.

Most examples of early Kerala wood that come up for sale date back to the 17th Century. Very few examples date back to as early as the 15th or 16th Century.

The Elegant Image, a recent publication by Marg, written by Dr. Pratapaditya Pal, has thrown further light on dating objects from this region.

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