Author: Annie Higgins

Domestication of Fear

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Terracotta scent bottle with Gorgon’s head

This small scent bottle highlights the dichotomy between the elegance of the form (and its aromatic contents) and the wildness of Gorgon image (and the fear it represents).

Pair of bronze greaves

The protective Gorgon image hammered on each greave displays the typical characteristics of its time. The fearsome facial expression displays a (bone inlaid) fanged mouth, board nose, prominent ears and protruding tongue.

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Categories: 2017, Greek and Roman

Spirits of the Wild

Exploring the World of Animal Worship

Bhuta Mask of Boar Spirit Panjurli

Panjurli’s name is derived from the Tulu word for piglet. The mask captures the ferociousness of the wild boar. In the Kola ceremony wearing of the mask marks the complete manifestation of the spirit. The masks are kept and worshipped in small shrines dedicated to the spirits. This kind of masks are also made of areca nut bark and wood. The gaps provided at nostrils and mouth facilitates view for the impersonator.

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