Figure
early 20th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Kamadhenu or 'Wish-fulfilling cow'. Part woman, part cow, with the wings of an eagle and the tail of a peacock.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Polychromed wood |
| Brief description | Figure of a Kamadhenu or wish-fulfilling cow, painted wood, Tamil Nadu, early 20th century |
| Physical description | Kamadhenu or 'Wish-fulfilling cow'. Part woman, part cow, with the wings of an eagle and the tail of a peacock. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | Wish-Fulfilling Cow (Kamadhenu)
About 1900–50
In Hindu mythology a kamadhenu is a miraculous cow
who can give her owner whatever he desires.This example
and its pair are hybrid creatures, with the body of a cow,
the head of a woman, the wings of an eagle and the tail of
a peacock.They were used in the great street processions
performed during south Indian temple festivals.
Painted wood
Southern India (Tamil Nadu)
Museum no. IS.139-2007
(06/06/2011) |
| Object history | This figure along with IS.138-2007, would have been used as a vehicle or vahana for images of gods and goddesses carried in Hindu temple festival processions. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | IS.139-2007 |
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| Record created | June 25, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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