Peacock feather whisker ('Morchal')
Peacock Feather Whisk ('Morchal')
19th century (Made)
19th century (Made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
A morchhal, or fan, of peacock feathers symbolises the king's role as protector of his people from sickness and malice and would be held aloft behind the ruler. Peacocks are symbols of royalty in India, the spread of the bird's feathers representing divine protection. Bound in the form of a quiver, peacock feathers represent a manifestation of the Hindu god Shiva, one in which he carries a bow and is the destroyer of illness.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | Peacock feather whisker ('Morchal') (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | Peacock feathers |
Brief description | Regalia, peacock feather silver, Murshidabad |
Physical description | 'Morchal' is made mainly of bunched peacock feathers attached to a silver handle. The bunch of peacock feathers is tied with silver and gold wires and tinsel. |
Dimensions |
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Summary | A morchhal, or fan, of peacock feathers symbolises the king's role as protector of his people from sickness and malice and would be held aloft behind the ruler. Peacocks are symbols of royalty in India, the spread of the bird's feathers representing divine protection. Bound in the form of a quiver, peacock feathers represent a manifestation of the Hindu god Shiva, one in which he carries a bow and is the destroyer of illness. |
Bibliographic references |
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Collection | |
Accession number | 2488(IS) |
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Record created | October 14, 2005 |
Record URL |
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