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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
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This traditional Indian iron elephant goad, commonly referred to. . .
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
| 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) |
Inlaying Techniques: Everything You Need to Know
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