INDIA     Exhibition Design Concept   

I n d i a . T h e  L i v i n g  A r t s




 

Votive offering
Mid-20th century

Surat, Gujarat
Clay
Canadian Museum of Civilization

Indians mark their countless temporary and cyclical worship traditions with clay. Clay offerings, often in the form of horses, elephants or bulls, are made throughout India but are seldom seen beyond the rural localities in which they appear and disappear. To the donor, they represent a request to a local god or goddess for health, prosperity or protection.

  





   

Potter from Maduri District,
Tamilnadu State
Southern India

Yerumalai Velar forms the image of a goddess who will be worshipped at a three-day festival in a rural temple near his home. His family (lineage) serves a network of rural neighbours with clay pots and utensils, temple images and offerings, in addition to providing the services of priest and oracle.