A WHIMSICAL KONDH TRIBAL BRONZE IN SHAPE OF A FROG

Copper bronze, remains of cold paint

Northern India, Kondh Tribe, late 19th – early 20th century

This little frog sculpture is a work by a member of the Kondh tribe in Northern India. The animal is made up of copper bronze threads, has an almost humanoid face, an opening at the belly and reticulation at the lower back.

Kondhs or Kandhs, are one of the largest tribal groups in Odisha, inhabiting the entire area around Ganjam and Phulbani districts till the forested lands of Telangana. They are also found in the Koraput, Kalahandi and Belangir districts. Divided into many sub-groups, the prominent amongst them are the Kuttia Kondhs, Maliah Kondhs and Dongaria Kondhs. Up to this day they maintain very strong animist beliefs with different animals and birds having their own symbolism and role. Bronze figurines of peacocks, chameleons, frogs, serpents, crabs, horses, deer, tigers, elephants, human figures and musicians were cast using the cire perdue (lost-wax technique) process to be used as playthings as well as alter pieces.

Shape: Figural
Dimensions: 6,5 cm (length), 3,3 cm (height)
Weight: 36,2 grams
Condition: Very good condition with appealing patina
Provenance: Austrian private collection