Staff shaped like parrot

This gold and gem studded staff shaped like parrot, is a very rare object used in Vishnu temples for special rituals.Ritual objects such as this piece have royal or noble patronage and were donated to temples and matts (monastries) of Vaishnavas in Tamilnadu or Karanataka or Kerala. They make excellent examples of workmanship sponsored by the then rulers who generously donated to the temples.