Catur Nari Palakkiya or Four Women Palanquin

Wooden panel decorated with one central human figure seated in padmasana surrounded and supported by six symmetrically positioned figures, the outer two standing and supporting aloft four other figures, two to either side of the central figure and two above these. Their limbs are entwined, and they also hold each others' plaited hair for support. Two birds above, one at each side, and foliage above and below, the whole design in white, yellow and black pigment on a red ground. Framed by a narrow strip of alternating red stars and black motifs on a gold ground. One of the exercises young artists in Sri Lanka were taught to master, so probably an apprentice piece.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
219iv
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 194 x 257 x 9 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
wood; pigment
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
LOCATION
SHAREABLE LINK

Continue exploring anthropology

Collection Information

These objects are only a part of our collections, of which there are more than 350,000 objects. This information comes from our collections database. Some of this is incomplete and there may be errors. This part of the website is also still under construction, so there may be some fields repeated or incorrectly formatted information.

The database retains language taken from historical documents to help research. Please note that some records may feature language and reflect systems of thinking that are outdated and offensive. The database also includes information on objects that are considered secret or sacred by some communities.

If you have any further information about objects in our collections, can suggest corrections to our information or if you see content requiring immediate action, please contact us: enquiry@horniman.ac.uk