INDIA, probably KERALA or TAMIL NADU, 19th century - Lot 18

INDIA, probably KERALA or TAMIL NADU, 19th century Brass votive wall lamp depicting a female warrior deity standing in high relief, identified as Bhadrakali, the fierce and protective form of the goddess Kali. She is depicted in a hieratic frontal posture, her feet slightly apart in profile, resting on a pedestal with holes, testifying to her ritual anchorage. Her face, adorned with a stylized ritual moustache, expresses calm and power. In her four hands, she holds a long, broad sword, a bow, a shield and a small dagger, weapons emblematic of her role as protector and destroyer of evil forces. She is dressed in a South Indian ceremonial garment, with a skirt structured by superimposed straps with circular ends, evoking both textile richness and the symbolism of armor. The upper part is topped by a naja cobra with outstretched wings, sculpted in high relief as an emblem of divine protection. Just below the headdress, a totemic mask or face with a bestial expression seems to be at one with the divinity. Two secondary figures, one with a ram's head, flank the scene, reinforcing its symbolic significance. The background of the plaque is decorated with a crescent moon and a sun disk, framed by stylized snakes. Several small mounting holes indicate architectural use, probably at the entrance to a temple. Traces of red pigment are visible on the background. Brass, patinated by time and use, remains of red pigments. Dimensions: 25 × 12.5 cm Provenance: Former Toulouse collection, 1960-1970, after inheritance