inne - Sadhu Indian Tribal Men

Sadhu Indian Tribal Men
Real Photo British Indian
1890-1920

22Hx16 cm
silver gelatin print


Roamer (Kavadi): On his shoulders, the man carries a wooden structure with a canopy, on which a portable sanctuary with an image or statuette of a deity is fixed. Such devices are used by pilgrims to carry sacred objects during multi-kilometer ritual rounds and travels.
Ritual spear (Trishula): In his right hand he holds a metal spear with a wide tip. This is one of the main attributes of the god Shiva, symbolizing will, action and wisdom, as well as serving as protection in distant wanderings.
Robes and beads: The man is wearing a simple loincloth (dhoti). On the neck hang massive sacred beads - rudraksha, which are used for meditation and reading mantras.
Appearance: Tangled long hair (jata) and thick beard emphasize his complete rejection of worldly goods, body care for the sake of concentration on spiritual life.

Stamp (Sticker) Kunsthandlung Brenner gegr. 1895
Stuttgart, Germany