Carved Teak Horse Chariot Carving From Tamil Nadu - 19th Century Period - 18th Century The Hindu elephant god Ganesh

The Hindu elephant god Ganesh in the center is framed by intricately chip carved mandalas

which is burnt in small lamps during prayers

For a similar example see plate 94 in The Decorative Arts of The China Trade by Crossman

The carved apron runs continuously around the table

Carved Teak Horse Chariot Carving From Tamil Nadu - 19th Century Period - 18th Century The Hindu elephant god GaneshThis beautifully carved Indian architectural support is from a large chariot locally called ter or Ratha Yatra. It would have been one of four corner brackets. These chariots were decorated with sacred Hindu scenes and are the finest wooden sculptures found in Tamil Nadu. This example dates to the early 19th century and is made from teak wood. Ratha Yatra temples were so large, they were pulled through the streets by teams of devotional worshipers