CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY

Subject: Ruined complex, Domed ceiling of Hindu & Jaina temples

Subject: Tumbler. A decorative and utilitarian stone tumbler. Odisha’s most recognized craft is stone carving. Odisha’s maharanas (stone carvers) sculpt in stones with simple tools by first outlining the figure on a stone block. The outline is incised to mark the shape of the motif and then the figure is carved. Stone carved sculptures are made for iconic sculptures from Odisha’s temples and idols of Hindu deities. This is an in-house artefact of the State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) Show House.

Subject: The Hindu God Vishnu with Shri Lakshmi and His Mount Garuda

Subject: Ganesha. This is a terracotta figurine of the Hindu god Ganesha.

Subject: Shiva . The Hindu god Shiva is represented here wearing a garland of skulls around his neck and carries in his hands a deerskin, a trident, a small hand drum and the fourth hand is in abhayamudra (gesture of fearlessness). We also see Shiva’s vehicle in the world, his vahana, the bull Nandi. This object has been procured from State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) Show House Museum, Handicrafts Complex.

Subject: Banana Tree. This is a collapsible banana tree carved out of stone that can be fit in a box and used for gifting and decoration. Odisha’s most recognized craft is stone carving. Odisha’s maharanas (stone carvers) sculpt in stones with simple tools by first outlining the figure on a stone block. The outline is incised to mark the shape of the motif and then the figure is carved. Stone carved sculptures are made for iconic sculptures from Odisha’s temples and idols of Hindu deities. This object has been procured from Utkalika, Odisha State Co-operative Handicraft Corporation Ltd.

Subject: Banana Tree. This is a collapsible banana tree that can be fit in a box and used for gifting and decoration. Odisha’s most recognized craft is stone carving. Odisha’s maharanas (stone carvers) sculpt in stones with simple tools by first outlining the figure on a stone block. The outline is incised to mark the shape of the motif and then the figure is carved. Stone carved sculptures are made for iconic sculptures from Odisha’s temples and idols of Hindu deities. This object has been procured by Utkalika, Odisha State Co-operative Handicraft Corporation Ltd.

Subject: Palinki (Palanquin). Lac comes from an insect’s resinous secretion. Terracotta and wooden items are coated with lacquer to produce utility or decorative items such as this miniature palanquin. A palanquin may be used to carry religious images in Hindu processions. Modern use of the palanquin is limited to ceremonial occasions, for instance, for carrying the bride in a traditional wedding or during funerals.

Subject: Spice Pot. A spice pot made of stone. Odisha’s most recognized craft is stone carving. Odisha’s maharanas (stone carvers) sculpt in stones with simple tools by first outlining the figure on a stone block. The outline is incised to mark the shape of the motif and then the figure is carved. Stone carved sculptures are made for iconic sculptures from Odisha’s temples and idols of Hindu deities. This is an in-house artefact of the State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) Show House.

Subject: Kalki. Kalki or Kalkin is the final avatar (incarnation) of the Hindu god Vishnu, who is yet to appear. At the end of the present Kali yuga (age), when virtue and dharma have disappeared and the world is ruled by the unjust, Kalki will appear to destroy the wicked and to usher in a new age. He will be seated on a white horse with a naked sword in his hand. This object has been procured from State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) Show House Museum, Handicrafts Complex.

Subject: Nrushinga/Narsimha Avatar. Narasimha is the man-lion avatar (incarnation) of the ten primary incarnations of the Hindu god Vishnu. The demon Hiranyakashipu—twin brother of Hiranyaksha, the demon overthrown by Vishnu in his previous incarnation as Varaha, was ousted by Narasimha who emerged from a pillar and slew the demon at dusk on the threshold. This object has been procured from State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) Show House Museum, Handicrafts Complex.

Subject: Plate. A stone plate. Odisha’s most recognized craft is stone carving. Odisha’s maharanas (stone carvers) sculpt in stones with simple tools by first outlining the figure on a stone block. The outline is incised to mark the shape of the motif and then the figure is carved. Stone carved sculptures are made for iconic sculptures from Odisha’s temples and idols of Hindu deities. This is an in-house artefact of the State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) Show House.

Subject: Banana Tree. This is a collapsible banana tree that can be fit in a box and used for gifting and decoration. Odisha’s most recognized craft is stone carving. Odisha’s maharanas (stone carvers) sculpt in stones with simple tools by first outlining the figure on a stone block. The outline is incised to mark the shape of the motif and then the figure is carved. Stone carved sculptures are made for iconic sculptures from Odisha’s temples and idols of Hindu deities. This object has been procured by Utkalika, Odisha State Co-operative Handicraft Corporation Ltd.

Subject: Seven Face Deepa (Lamp). A stone lamp that is often used for lighting during special occasions. Lamps also symbolically represent enlightenment or wisdom. Odisha’s most recognized craft is stone carving. Odisha’s maharanas (stone carvers) sculpt in stones with simple tools by first outlining the figure on a stone block. The outline is incised to mark the shape of the motif and then the figure is carved. Iconic stone carved sculptures and idols of Hindu deities are made for Odisha’s temples. This is an in-house artefact of the State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) Show House.

Subject:

Nandi mandapa showing Lajja Gauri in the courtyard before the Hindu rock-cut temple 21, known as Ramesvara, at Ellora. This is a monolithic platform and on the southwestern face of the solid platform, is carved an anthropomorphic Lajja Gauri. Lajja Gauri in the center of the panel is damaged. The two flanking female attendants who bear fly whisks are carved into the rock between relief pilasters. The goddess's head is haloed, her arms are held up, but are damaged, her hair is tied up in a large bun and she wears a jeweled headband, lotus earrings, necklace, girdle, and anklets. Since the bull on the Nandi mandapa platform faces the Sivalinga of rock-cut temple 21, the goddess is clearly associated with Shiva and Nandi.

Subject: Dowry Box. Pedis, or dowry boxes are created by chitrakaras and are used to store items of dowries. These are wooden boxes often made of gambhari wood which are covered with cloth canvas and painted over. The boxes may be decorated with scenes from the life of Krishna or they may be decorated with images of musicians and dancers, animals, plants, or other designs. This scene shows Luv and Kush with the sacred white horse from Ashvamedha Yajna held by Rama in the Hindu epic Ramayana.

Subject: Center: Siva's mount, Nandi [The Hindu Trinity of Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma]

Subject: Left figure, from left; The Hindu Sages Nara and Narayana

Subject: Flower Vase. A decorative stone flower vase. Odisha’s most recognized craft is stone carving. Odisha’s most recognized craft is stone carving. Odisha’s maharanas (stone carvers) sculpt in stones with simple tools by first outlining the figure on a stone block. The outline is incised to mark the shape of the motif and then the figure is carved. Stone carved sculptures are made for iconic sculptures from Odisha’s temples and idols of Hindu deities. This is an in-house artefact of the State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) Show House.

Subject: Flower Vase. A decorative stone flower vase. Odisha’s most recognized craft is stone carving. Odisha’s most recognized craft is stone carving. Odisha’s maharanas (stone carvers) sculpt in stones with simple tools by first outlining the figure on a stone block. The outline is incised to mark the shape of the motif and then the figure is carved. Stone carved sculptures are made for iconic sculptures from Odisha’s temples and idols of Hindu deities. This is an in-house artefact of the State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) Show House.

Subject: Back, The Hindu God Vishnu's Mount, Garuda

Subject: Profile, The Hindu God Subrahmanya from left

Subject: Bowl. A decorative and utilitarian stone bowl. Odisha’s most recognized craft is stone carving. Odisha’s maharanas (stone carvers) sculpt in stones with simple tools by first outlining the figure on a stone block. The outline is incised to mark the shape of the motif and then the figure is carved. Stone carved sculptures are made for iconic sculptures from Odisha’s temples and idols of Hindu deities. This is an in-house artefact of the State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) Show House.

Subject: Valli: A detail of the Hindu goddess Valli, the second consort of the god Kartikeya.