South Indian Ankus

The use of elephants as an important means of transportation is established in India as early as 4000 BC, when the first elephants are believed to have been tamed in the Indus Valley. The elephant is considered sacred by Hindus because they believe it is embodied by Ganesh, the elephant god. Ankusa is the Sanskrit word for elephant goad and is considered both functional and ceremonial. It is considered one of the eight auspicious objects “Ashtamangala”. It consists of a handle with an attached spear point and a pointed hook, often decorated with fine chisel work. The head of the akus features beautiful drill and chisel work depicting yali, creatures from Hindu mythology, parakeets and Makara heads surrounded by foliage and floral designs. Both tips are reinforced and well made. The handle is divided into four segments and has a brass end representing a tiger's head devouring another creature. This example appears to be one of a small group of similar Ankus that demonstrate incredible South Indian craftsmanship and are often poorly dated by many museums. While most are dated to around the 17th century, this group would have been made in the 19th century in my opinion.