This is a votive equestrian figure made of terracotta used as an
offering to the gods and spirits.
Detailed Description
The tribes of Gujarat especially the Rathwa and Bhil offer
votive terracotta horses to their gods and spirits at the
devasthan, a sanctuary of worship during auspicious days.
This
is a tradition that has been continuing for ages. A
terracotta
shrine called the ghummat is also offered to every cluster of
these animal figures, to hold a lamp.
For making these objects, red and black clays are used and
usually made during the harvest season in chaitar and
Vaishakh
months.
