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1886.1.212

Wooden figure on a stand. The figure has bird-like legs, a [?]lions head held at the pelvis, and the upper body naked showing its breasts. On the head is a conical hat with spikes.

On display

1886.1.212

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Collection type
Object
Description
Wooden figure on a stand. The figure has bird-like legs, a [?]lions head held at the pelvis, and the upper body naked showing its breasts. On the head is a conical hat with spikes.
Long description
Wooden figure on a stand. The figure has bird-like legs, a [lions] head held at the pelvis, and the upper body naked showing its breasts. On the head is a conical hat with spikes. The stand has a tall base and a hollow carved back, the interior of which is pigmented in a reddish colour.
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1719, uncertain Date made: 1719, uncertain
Date collected
?On or before 1719
Acquisition information
Transferred: 11/03/1886
Materials and processes
Material Wood Plant, Material Pigment, Process Carved, Process Painted
Dimensions
Width: max 165 mm, Height: max 520 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1886.1.212 Other numbers: 502
Research and responses

In Response: Dotty Clay 2021

Chicken Legs

You look surprised to see me standing in your sentry box like some strange guardian (like when I raised your legs to change your nappy, Betsy) Is that a yak in your codpiece or are you just pleased to see me? What adventures have you been on, were you really a banyans special offer, did you accept his offerings, live under a banyan tree, decked in flowers, watched and watching, flickering flames? Were you an outcast, like me? Where have you been hiding for centuries? What have your wide eyes seen? Are you Indian, Polynesian, Sogdian, Balkan? Did you have another name, once? In the world that you come from, do you hang out with other, Chimera? Do you nod to the Sphinx on your way to work, exchange pleasantries with basilisks, gossip with wyverns about the narcissists of the Kinara? Are you what Brahma made from the leftovers of a Garuda? Are you related to the queen of the night? Do you long to take flight, break out of your cage and go on a rampage? How did you end up this way? Do you listen when I pray?

Search terms: Figure, Religion, Bird Figure, Animal Figure

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