Antique Indian Amulet, Brass Shaivite Symbols Amulet for Bullock, India, 225 gra

Description

Antique Indian Amulet, Brass Shaivite Symbols Amulet for Bullock, India, 225 grams (7.93oz)
Purchased several years ago from JASMINEIUM, a dealer in ANTIQUE INDIAN AMULETS and ETHNIC JEWELLERY based in Melbourne, Australia.
Description by
Jasmineium
:
This is an 18th - 19th century heavy cast brass forehead ornament, amulet, for a bullock from Nagpur, Madhya Pradesh, with Shaivite symbols of Shiva Lingam and Yoni, Nandi the bull, a naga (cobra) and peacock.
The ornament is placed on the bullock as a decoration for the pola festival (August-September) at which time draft animals are thanked for their help in plowing the fields.
The shiva lingam in the center is probably the most important Shaivite symbol. The yoni is the creative power of nature and represents the goddess Shakti. The linga stone represents Shiva, and is usually placed in the yoni as is on this amulet.
The vehicle of Shiva, the bull Nandi, is Shiva's primary vehicle and is the principal gana (follower) of Shiva.
Height: 13cm (5 1/4”)
Width: 8.5cm (3 1/4")
The weight of animal ornament heavy 225 grams (7.93 oz.) and is cast brass.