Ten Incarnations

These miniature figurines, carved in ivory and arranged on a three-tiered wooden base, are the ten incarnations of Vishnu or 'Dashavatar' as depicted in the Hindu mythology. The myth of Dashavatar believes that Vishnu is reincarnated in different forms or 'avatars' to rescue the world from 'Kalyug' or a period of extreme immorality and decadence.

The tenth incarnation, Kalki, is the ultimate redeemer. In descending order, the most important avatar is Kalki, followed by Parshurama, Rama, Balarama and Krishna avatars in the middle (from the left to right). The earliest avatars refer to the origins of the universe and are Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narsimha (composite lion & man) and Vamana (dwarf), arranged from the left to right. Mythological scenes and figures were popular in ivory and wood carvings produced in South India. Ivory carvers of the south were highly skilled in this art as is evident from the stylistic details on these miniature figurines.