Bhuta Figure- Garuda

National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy

Title : Bhuta Figure- Garuda

Accession No : 83/B/20

God Garuda is depicted in the sculpture standing on the back of a bird, though the bird is not completely depicted. The figure is depicted with half open wings, round eyes, beak like akite which are major attributes of the god. The hands of the god are missing in the sculpture. the god is shown with a sharp moustache. This is an anthropormorphic figure, half bird and half human.

Gallery

83B20A.JPG
83B20B.JPG
83B20C.JPG
83B20D.JPG

Source

  • RepositoryNational Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy
  • CollectionMuseum Collection

Provenance

  • CountryIndia
  • StateKarnataka
  • DistrictBengaluru

Period

  • Start DateLate 18th century

Condition

  • ConditionGood
  • Action NoteCNR

Contributor

  • Community / TribeFisherman

Dimensions

  • Measurement (CMS)193 x 61 x 20.2
  • Weight (GRMS)0.00

Significance

  • ReligiousBhuta are the demigods which are worshiped for specifically to save the village from the evil spirits. These figures can be either human figure, animal or elements. This ritual of worshipping the figurines is prevalent in the Tulu Nadu area of Karnataka which is known as Bhuta Kola.
  • Socio economicThe Hindu community in the coastal areas, especially the fisherman community of Manglore district, Karnataka believe in the worship of supernatural beings and divine ancestral spirits known as 'Bhutas'. Hence, Bhuta figures translate to worshipping of divine beings.
  • ArtisticBhuta Figures are taken from ancient beliefs and it is produced in the Basrur region of Udupi, Karnataka. The normal size of the figure may vary from 31 cm to 457 cm.

Description

  • DescriptionGod Garuda is depicted in the sculpture standing on the back of a bird, though the bird is not completely depicted. The figure is depicted with half open wings, round eyes, beak like akite which are major attributes of the god. The hands of the god are missing in the sculpture. the god is shown with a sharp moustache. This is an anthropormorphic figure, half bird and half human.
  • Inscription/Markings No
  • ReferenceAditi Ranjan, M P Ranjan (2005). Crafts of India, Handmade in India, National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad: Mapin Pub. ISBN 81-88204-57-9.
  • KeywordGaruda, eagle, Bird, Anthropormorphic, Wings, God, Mythology