African Non-weapon, please can anyone ID origin and symbolism

colin henshaw · 20th December 2009, 09:21 PM

Hi Gene

I'm not an expert on Indian metalwork, but from the red residue I would make a guess that it may have been for containing pigments. Hindus use pigments, especially vermilion, to anoint both themselves and figures of deities.

Probably the V & A Museum in London could give a definitive description of its use... I don't know what Indian name it would have, but it looks a nice object, maybe 19th century or even earlier ?

Regards
Colin

20th December 2009, 09:21 PM	#1
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	Hi Gene I'm not an expert on Indian metalwork, but from the red residue I would make a guess that it may have been for containing pigments. Hindus use pigments, especially vermilion, to anoint both themselves and figures of deities. Probably the V & A Museum in London could give a definitive description of its use... I don't know what Indian name it would have, but it looks a nice object, maybe 19th century or even earlier ? Regards Colin