Dhokra Bronze Kondh Deer From Orissa - 19th Century Stools It's hand carved in the

It's hand carved in the classic Mughal style with a trailing acanthus design

The panels depict the Offerings of the Five Senses blossoming from the lotus flowers

Each chest is made from hand selected old Chinese elm doors which have been sun-bleached over the past 100 years

It dates from the 19th century and is from Gujarat in Northern India

The shape of the lock is that of a trident or trisul

Dhokra Bronze Kondh Deer From Orissa - 19th Century Stools It's hand carved in theThis charming votive deer statue is from the tribal area of Kandhamal, Orissa. These tribal statues were used as votives by Khond (also spelled Kondh or Gond) tribes like the Desia Kandha tribe. These statues date to the 19th century and would have been passed down through generations and worshipped to protect against the wild animals of the forest. It is likely this deer is the sambar deer, an animal unique to Orissa and the state animal of Orissa