Figure of a Coolie

National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy

Title : Figure of a Coolie

Accession No : 55/4/371

Figure showcases a Coolie standing on a square pedestal. He is wearing a brown dhoti on his lower body, bare- chested, has a cloth above his head and carrying a bag on it. The figure is wearing a taabiz in his neck.

Gallery


Provenance

  • StateWest Bengal

Condition

  • ConditionAverage
  • Action NoteCR; Darkening, Accumulation of Dust

Dimensions

  • Measurement (CMS)28 x 6.9 x 6.5

Significance

  • Artistic"Clay art or potter's art is practiced in India by the potter 'kumhar' community. This community is traditionally called Prajapati, the creator, which is named after the Hindu God Brahma-the creator of the Universe. It is one of the earliest and most useful crafts of India. This craft has been continuing since pre-historic times. The figurines are made in parts and assembled together. Plaster of Paris moulds are used to cast different body parts when the figurines are made in larger quantities. A metal wire is used for support and reinforcement in the clay models. They are fired in a kiln and painted with poster or water colours. The craft still has a market in rural melas and craft emporia."

Description

  • DescriptionFigure showcases a Coolie standing on a square pedestal. He is wearing a brown dhoti on his lower body, bare- chested, has a cloth above his head and carrying a bag on it. The figure is wearing a taabiz in his neck.
  • Inscription/Markings No
  • Reference"Barnard, Nicholas. Arts and Crafts of India. London: Conran Octopus Limited, 1993 Ranjan, Aditi. Handmade in India: Crafts of India. Edited by Aditi Ranjan & M. P. Ranjan. Ahmedabad: Council of Handicraft Development Corporations, 2007."
  • KeywordCooli, Taabiz, Porter, Terracotta, Bag, Krishna Nagar