Sedan chair

Before the 17th-18th centuries, palanquins were a desirable mode of transport, as those inside did not feel any discomfort from the terrain, even when the carriers moved at an irregular pace or ran. Each palanquin, depending on its size, required the use of 2-6 palanquin bearers known as ‘boyees’.
Transport in Goa followed the customs and legislations prevalent in Portugal. In the 17th century, an order from King Felipe II of Portugal prohibited men from using palanquins as they were considered an unmanly mode of transport. However, the Chief criminal judge, the sick and those over sixty years of age were allowed to use such transport. Even the church had its ‘machila’ for the parish-priest to make his rounds of the village.
This late 19th century sedan chair (palanquin) is painted in red with golden floral motifs framed in oval shields centered on each panel of the sedan chair, including the doors. The chair was ventilated by a series of horizontal slats (openings). The wooden shaft that was used to carry the chair, is fixed to the chair by iron struts inserted through the feet. The feet of this sedan chair are shaped like lion’s paws.