Mayur Phorua, peacock casket. Brass; 29 cm x 24 cm. Orissa. c. early 20th century. 7/3792. The Mayur phorua1 , literally “peacock-box”, a creation of the nomadic Ghantrar metalsmiths of the region and cast in the lost-wax technique, is generally used to store valuables and is consequently equipped with a lock. The crowned peacocks perched on the lid are characteristic of the region.
1. In conversation with metalsmith Dushasan Behera from Dhenkanaial, Orissa
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