Bidspirit auction | A LARGE SOUTH INDIAN BRASS

A LARGE SOUTH INDIAN BRASS BETEL NUT CUTTER IN THE FORM OF AIYANAR ON HORSEBACK, 18TH-19TH CENTURY. - This antique betel nut cutter, or sarota, is cast from a copper alloy and is fashioned in the form of an equestrian figure. Based on regional iconography, the rider represents the South Indian deity Aiyanar, a village guardian commonly depicted as a mounted warrior. The horse is elaborately caparisoned with a decorative bridle, a breastplate featuring circular pendant motifs, and a saddlecloth decorated with a cross-hatched diamond pattern. The rider is rendered in a traditional folk style, wearing a distinctive pointed headpiece and holding a pointed implement. The object functions as a two-part lever mechanism, joined by a pivot pin located at the horse's foreleg. The lower handle and base section remain stationary while the upper section, comprising the horse and rider, provides the cutting action with a blade positioned on its underside. Both handles and the base are decorated with incised repeating scroll, bead, and geometric borders. L: Approximately 29cm