Yellow bronze. India, Bastar, 19th/20th cent.
A uniquely designed statue on a round platform. The torso takes the shape of a stretched out trapezoid, decorated with ribbons, the waist is small with a belt around it and the triangular loincloth hangs down in a curving manner. The arms and legs are scrawny, wearing rings, the knees are accentuated with buttons. The figure holds a small bowl and another object, which is likely fragmentary. Further rings around the neck, the hair is decorated with a button (just above the nose) and a longer thatch. Partly strong and partly green patina. Bronzes from indigenous Bastar tribes were always cult-related, and crafted by specialized bronze-founders who travelled the land. The Baster region lies in the southernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, in Southeast- Central India.​​​ Old genuine bronze items from this region are becoming increasingly rare and hard to find in India, as it was customary for tribes to melt old bronzes together in order to craft new ones. The quite juvenile and childish appearance of this tribal authenticity presents a special appeal to us!
HEIGHT 10,6 CM
From the collection of an Austrian diplomat