This is an intricate 18th century gold breast kavacam (plate) for a male deity. The male torso bears a muscular, fleshy frame with a bent waist leaning to one side. It is adorned heavily with a choker-like necklace and a longer necklace resting in characteristic, classical symmetry. A yagnopavita or sacred thread rests on the left shoulder. The lower dhoti (garment) is represented with neat, stylised pleats. It is adorned with an intricate girdle-like waist ornament ending in the makara (crocodile) face. Plates such as this were used to decorate the bronze utsavara (mobile images) of south Indian Brahminical deities for festive occasions. They were specially dressed for each occasion by the priests.
