Vintage Hamsa Bird Oil Lamp

$95.00

Dimensions: 8cm high, 10cm diameter.
Code: METAL 2721

This vintage, cast and etched, brass oil lamp finial with incense stick holder was made in South India in the late 19th century to early 20th century. The Hamsa bird on the top is believed to be the vahanna (vehicle) of Saraswati, who is the goddess of knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom, and learning. The mythical Hamsa is a bird that scholars have interpreted as a swan, flamingo, and even a goose. The Hamsa is revered by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains and is seen as a symbol of purity, detachment, and divine knowledge. Hamsa symbolizes the highest spiritual accomplishment as it swims in water, walks on earth and flies in the sky. In this piece the Hamsa is engraved with feathers on the body and tail. The branch it holds in its beak is probably a branch of Sanjeevini, which is held to be a medicinal plant in Hindu mythology that revives life. Birds or Hamsas like this were often used as decorative elements on the top of oil lamps. They also were utilitarian, sometimes for storing oil, or in this case as an incense stick holder. Below the bird is a lotus shaped oil reservoir that can accommodate five wicks.

Stock: 
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