Carved Peacock Panel From A Ratha Yatra Chariot - 19thC Material - Kair Wood The back of the altar

The back of the altar table has two concealed drawers which are the best indicators of age on the piece

the tikka ash used for marking the forehead of Hindus known as a Tika mark or Bindi

It is a very elegant shape with nicely carved detailing

hand-thrown construction

Carved Peacock Panel From A Ratha Yatra Chariot - 19thC Material - Kair Wood The back of the altarThis carved Indian teak panel from a Ratha Yatra chariot depicts a stylized peacock in floral surroundings. The peacock is the national bird of India and is believed to bring luck and prosperity. Called maurya in Hindi, peacocks got their name from the people of the Maurya dynasty (322BC 184BC) who kept and raised them in royal courts. Ratha Yatra chariots are found mostly in Tamil Nadu, South India, and enormous temples on wheels are drawn through