Important Notice

Wood

20th century
Kerala

Height: 16 in (40 cm)
Width: 23.5 in (58.75 cm)
Depth: 9 in (22.5 cm)

Bhutas are spirits or supernatural beings that exist in various forms and are worshipped by devotees out of both respect and fear. In northern Kerala and coastal areas of Karnataka, bhutas often represent spirits of local heroes and animals, and play several important roles in the daily life of the villagers. They may be benevolent or malevolent, and can either bless or punish. In these areas, bhuta worship is particularly theatrical, and during worship rituals, devotees connect directly with bhutas through the 'spirit mediums' that don their masks and come to embody them. Bhuta sculptures like the present lot, painted with mineral and vegetable dyes, represent the spirit of the animal they depict, and are used in animistic worship rituals.


Wood

20th century
Kerala

Height: 16 in (40 cm)
Width: 23.5 in (58.75 cm)
Depth: 9 in (22.5 cm)

Bhutas are spirits or supernatural beings that exist in various forms and are worshipped by devotees out of both respect and fear. In northern Kerala and coastal areas of Karnataka, bhutas often represent spirits of local heroes and animals, and play several important roles in the daily life of the villagers. They may be benevolent or malevolent, and can either bless or punish. In these areas, bhuta worship is particularly theatrical, and during worship rituals, devotees connect directly with bhutas through the 'spirit mediums' that don their masks and come to embody them. Bhuta sculptures like the present lot, painted with mineral and vegetable dyes, represent the spirit of the animal they depict, and are used in animistic worship rituals.