Elephant Goad (Ankus)

Elephant goad with long handle and finger guard ending in curved hook and point, all in carved steel. Almost every surface is covered with minute figures of Hindu deities, including several forms of Shiva and the avatars of Vishnu, as well as dancing females. Between figures is scrolling foliage with much of the decoration piercing the surface of the metal.

Provenance

Purchased by the MFA in 1995 from Spink and Sons, Ltd., London. Reported seen in collection of the Maharaja of Mysore in 1982.

Credit Line

Keith McLeod Fund

Elephant Goad (Ankus)

  • Indian, Nayaka period, Probably early 17th century A.D.
possibly Karnataka, Southern India
Dimensions
70.14 cm (27 5/8 in.)
Medium or Technique
Steel
Classification
Metalwork
Accession Number
1995.114
On view
South and Southeast Asia - 176

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