Item ST 39849 Indian Figure - Bear Handler, Pune, Clay, circa 1880

Summary

Alternative Names: Poonah Figure, Poona Figure

This clay figure of a bear handler was made in Pune in India in the latter half of the nineteenth century. It was exhibited as part of a group of figures representing various castes, occupations and religious sects. Such figures were exhibited at International Exhibitions and often won awards. This figure was gifted to the National Gallery of Victoria by the India Commission of the Melbourne International Exhibition at the close of the Exhibition in 1881.

Physical Description

Figure of a man made of plaster/composition modeled over wooden dowels. He is painted with a dark brown skin tone and is dressed in fabric. His garments consist of a red hat, white shirt, white and purple waist sash and white trousers with red trim. The figure was originally attached to a wooden base but this has been lost. The object is damaged, missing clay from its hands and face and the textiles are dirty and faded.