Description Coastal Karnataka brass alloy This remarkable folk figure of a protective rider deity is elaborately crowned and bejewelled with hooded cobra earrings and multiple neck and arm ornaments. An elaborate back arch with scalloped aureoles with pointed geometric edging and an ornate apron (ani), frames the figure. The handsome horse is elaborated bridled and bejewelled with necklaces. This is a protector deity of this region, known as Bemmeru, similar to Aiyanar and Khandoba. This figure comes from the Bhuta tradition on the Malabar coast. The Bhuta and Daiva are locally divine or deified beings who are highly prevalent in the southern parts of the Kannara district. These cults, which are of considerable antiquity, have much in common with those of the yakshas, for instance. Bemmeru, the spirit at the head of the pantheon is still revered by the indigenous communities who continue to follow older forms of worship such as the practice of spirit propitiation. The Bhuta pantheon includes categories such as totemic animals, ancestral spirits as well as the spirits of heroic figures from history. This performative living tradition enacted primarily through complex rituals encompasses epic ballads, musical accompaniments and oracular spirit impersonation, the narrative of each spirit presents itself through its own specific story called paaddana. Size (cms): 27(H) x 21(W) x 13(D) Size (inches): 10.5(H) x 8.5(W) x 5(D)
