Description Puddukottai, Tamilnadu Polychromed terracotta Figures like these, representing manitham (men), penmani (women), and mazdalai (children), are commonly offered to Aiyanar, a folk deity worshipped in many parts of Tamil Nadu. These votive figures are typically found clustered in sanctuaries, often located in the forest and village boundaries, as well as along the inner walls of Aiyanar’s temple. Traditionally, the deity is installed at the centre of his shrine using a stone slab surrounded by offerings of terracotta figures, including horses, elephants, bullocks, dogs, guards, and warriors. Upon the fulfilment of a wish, usually related to the birth of a child or the health of one’s parents or spouse, the devotee promises to offer such figures to the deity. These figures are made upon request by the Velar community of potters, who also perform priestly functions in the temple of Aiyanar. These figures are hollow and crafted using the coil technique, using a mixture of clay and rice husk. After firing, they are painted in colours such as white lime, coal black, turmeric, and red ochre. The pupils of the figures are left unpainted until they are taken to the temple, where offerings of fruit, rice, etc., are first made. Size (cms): 13.5(H) x 10(W) x 10(D) Size (inches): 5.5(H) x 4(W) x 4(D)
