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Indian Elephant goad
- Functionally, the goad is a tool primarily utilized in the management of elephants
- The tool is adorned with inlaid damascened gold using the koftgari technique
- In India, the goad symbolizes royalty
- Circa 19th-century
- Get complete item description here
$8,850
Item No.
31-8658
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Description
Employed since the fifth or sixth century BCE by mahouts or Indian elephant drivers, the elephant goad is a unique tool that is used to guide elephants. The finest examples were essential in fine armories and temples, integral to religious processions and civic engagements involving elephants. Embellished with engravings and fine materials, this stunning antique goad reflects the beauty of the ceremonies it once accompanied.
This traditional Indian iron elephant goad, commonly referred to. . .
This traditional Indian iron elephant goad, commonly referred to. . .
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Employed since the fifth or sixth century BCE by mahouts or Indian elephant drivers, the elephant goad is a unique tool that is used to guide elephants. The finest examples were essential in fine armories and temples, integral to religious processions and civic engagements involving elephants. Embellished with engravings and fine materials, this stunning antique goad reflects the beauty of the ceremonies it once accompanied.
This traditional Indian iron elephant goad, commonly referred to as an ankusa or ankus, features a round openwork shaft divided into six sections. Within the shaft, hollow metal jingles are nestled, producing a rolling sound as the tool is wielded. In Hinduism, the sound of a bell is considered auspicious, which welcomes divinity and dispels evil. Additionally, bells are often worn by elephants in training, so the bell sound produced would be recognized by the elephant. Its shaft culminates in a subtly tapering, diamond-shaped section, while the gracefully curved hook of the goad adds to its elegant design. Adorned with inlaid damascened gold using the koftgari technique, the hook and top spike feature intricate flame-like and scrolling flower patterns.
In India, the goad symbolizes royalty, while in Hinduism, it holds significance as one of the eight auspicious objects, known as Astamangala, and is associated with various Hindu deities, including Ganesha. The high degree of ornamentation in this tool suggests its use in ceremonies or as a decorative work of art. Comparable goads with similar hollow shafts featuring bells are housed in the Wallace Collection, in London.
Circa 19th-century
21 1/2" high x 5" wide x 1 1/8" deep
This traditional Indian iron elephant goad, commonly referred to as an ankusa or ankus, features a round openwork shaft divided into six sections. Within the shaft, hollow metal jingles are nestled, producing a rolling sound as the tool is wielded. In Hinduism, the sound of a bell is considered auspicious, which welcomes divinity and dispels evil. Additionally, bells are often worn by elephants in training, so the bell sound produced would be recognized by the elephant. Its shaft culminates in a subtly tapering, diamond-shaped section, while the gracefully curved hook of the goad adds to its elegant design. Adorned with inlaid damascened gold using the koftgari technique, the hook and top spike feature intricate flame-like and scrolling flower patterns.
In India, the goad symbolizes royalty, while in Hinduism, it holds significance as one of the eight auspicious objects, known as Astamangala, and is associated with various Hindu deities, including Ganesha. The high degree of ornamentation in this tool suggests its use in ceremonies or as a decorative work of art. Comparable goads with similar hollow shafts featuring bells are housed in the Wallace Collection, in London.
Circa 19th-century
21 1/2" high x 5" wide x 1 1/8" deep
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Specifications
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Origin: | Asia |
| Type: | Other |
| Depth: | 1.13 in. (2.86 cm) |
| Width: | 5.0 in. (12.7 cm) |
| Height: | 21.5 in. (54.61 cm) |
Discover More
Inlaying Techniques: Everything You Need to Know
Read MoreBuy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
