Unknown maker / Sankh / 19th Century

Unknown maker
Sankh
19th Century
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Creator Name: Unknown
Creator Role: Artist
Creator Name-CRT: Unknown maker
Title: Sankh
Title Type: Object name
View: Full View
Creation Start Date: 1800
Creation End Date: 1899
Creation Date: 19th Century
Object Type: Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Classification Term: Aerophone/lip vibrated
Materials and Techniques: Brass, wax
Dimensions: L. of shell 16 3/4 in. (42.5 cm); L. of stand 5 3/4 in. (14.5 cm); H. of shell 5 3/4 in. (14.7 cm); H. of stand 2 3/8 in. (6 cm); Total H. 8 7/8 in.(22.5 cm)
AMICA Contributor: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location: New York, New York, USA
ID Number: 1986.12
Credit Line: Purchase, The Barrington Foundation Inc. Gift, 1986
Rights: http://www.metmuseum.org/
Context:

In Hinduism the conch shell is usually associated with the god Vishnu, Lord of the Waters, but the brass fittings on this shell indicate a link with Shaivite ritual. The mouthpiece suggests a lotus, while the heavily decorated conical end depicts rows of nagas (serpent divinities) and wreath-bearing kirttimukhas ("Faces of Glory"). A yoni design (symbol of female energy) is interspersed between each naga and kirttimukha. The fitting terminates with the head of a makara (elephant/crocodile monster), atop which strides a yali (elephant/lion monster). Three figures rest at the upper edge of the shell's opening: the lingam/yoni, symbol of Shiva and representation of the unified male/female force; Ganesh, the elephant-headed son of Shiva; and Nandi, a milk-white bull who serves as Shiva's vehicle. The opening of the hoofed stand represents a yoni.

AMICA ID: MMA_.1986.12
AMICA Library Year: 2000
Media Metadata Rights: Copyright The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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