Summary

Alternative Names: Poonah Figure, Poona Figure

This clay group of a two bulls ploughing was made in Krishnanagar province, India. It was exhibited at the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880, as part of a group of figures representing various castes, occupations and religious sects in India. It was gifted to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) by the India Commission of the Melbourne International Exhibition, 1880-81. The NGV Stock book records identify this group as 'Ploughman driving his Plough'.

Physical Description

Model of two bulls, on a rectangular wooden and clay base. A paper label is glued to the white bull.The bulls are made from fired clay modelled over ferrous metal armature, which attaches to the base. One bull is painted brown, with black hooves and horns and a white face. The other bull is painted white, with grey hooves, horns and nose, it also has several symbols on its hind quarters. There was originally a man attached to the base and the bulls were yoked to a plough. The plough and the man's staff are both made of wood and string. The man is fired clay modelled over ferrous metal armature. The figure is painted with a dark brown skin tone and is dressed in fabric. He is wearing a white cotton loincloth and turban and has real facial and chest hair.

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