Pair of Indian Carved Wooden Parrot Heads

Each of this pair of South Indian crested parrot heads is carved from a single piece of wood – probably teak – and decorated with green, red and other polychromes. The heads and feathers are carved naturalistically, most particularly the beaks. Each has a splendid, curvaceous form.

It is likely that these were carved for a temple chariot or a boat prow. Each has been carved with a rim possibly to allow the head to be slotted into a larger ensemble.

If interpreted as peacock heads then they might have served as heads for a temple chariot designed to carry the deity Murugan.

The pair are beautifully carved and highly decorative. Probably they date to the early 20th century.