Breastplate of the Spirit Deity Jumadi
This female breastplate evoking the mother-earth deity was worn by shamanic priests in the annual spirit possession festival of the Tulu-speaking communities of coastal Karnataka. It exemplifies the masterful skill and creativity of traditional metal-casters in rural India who served the devotional needs of diverse communities. The volumetric modeling of this torso, with its swelling breasts and smoothly rounded stomach evoking fecundity and the promise of new life, is a powerful expression of the deity’s promise. Fine cord necklaces with rearing snake terminals adorn her breasts, along with pendant charms, one resembling a coin. Circular holes cast into the upper points of the torso allowed it to be secured with cords during performance.
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