Important Notice

Silver

20th century
Rajasthan/Gujarat


This silver amulet, in the form of a 'yoni' or an oval with a pointed lower edge, is die-stamped with an image of Bheru or Bhairava, a form of Lord Shiva. Widely worshipped in the Bhil tribal community, Bhairava is a wandering ascetic, whose form Shiva had to take to atone for a sin. The iconography of Bhairava is typically four handed, and he is commonly portrayed with the street mongrel that followed him around as he begged for alms.

Such amulets are usually strung from a cord and worn around the neck, and it is believed that being in contact with them is a form of constant worship. Other commonly represented figures on such amulets are Hanuman, Durga and local heroes or 'vira'.


Silver

20th century
Rajasthan/Gujarat


This silver amulet, in the form of a 'yoni' or an oval with a pointed lower edge, is die-stamped with an image of Bheru or Bhairava, a form of Lord Shiva. Widely worshipped in the Bhil tribal community, Bhairava is a wandering ascetic, whose form Shiva had to take to atone for a sin. The iconography of Bhairava is typically four handed, and he is commonly portrayed with the street mongrel that followed him around as he begged for alms.

Such amulets are usually strung from a cord and worn around the neck, and it is believed that being in contact with them is a form of constant worship. Other commonly represented figures on such amulets are Hanuman, Durga and local heroes or 'vira'.