This large pendant ornament is decorated using the repousse technique.It features emerald and bright ruby inlays as eyes. The various textures used in the designs and the expression of the beast make this piece visually stunning.Kavasams, masks as well as large ornaments, such as this piece, were used in South India to decorate deities during the ‘utsavam’ processions and special festivals. ‘Bhuta’ (spirit) masks, ‘utsavamurti’ (transportable deities) with decorative jewellery were generally crafted by artisans who specialised in various metalwork techniques and dedicated to the temples by wealthy patrons.
