Ritual Sower. Rajasthan, 18th century

Ritual seed-sower. Rajasthan, 18th century.
Carved wood.
Measurements: 13 x 14.5 x 14.5 cm.

The item now up for auction is an object used to scatter the seeds for planting. In this case, it is not a purely utilitarian object, but rather a ritual seed scatterer used by the rajah or village chief for the first sowing of the year, in a propitiatory ceremony intended to secure the favor of gods and spirits and, consequently, a bountiful harvest in the future. Due to this ritual use, it is an object of marked artistic and symbolic character. It is carved with the figure of the god Ganesha—characterized by his hybrid human and elephant features—on the lower part. Ganesha is the god “who removes obstacles.” The sowing ceremony itself is also depicted, as well as the sacred cows and Nandi, the bull that Shiva rides.