Ghanti (bell)

Unknown

last half 19th century · Brass · Musical Instruments

The handle of this bell consists of a finely wrought figure of Hanuman, the famous monkey general who, in Hindu mythology, led the army that helped Rama rescue his wife, Sita, from Ravana. The body of the bell is richly engraved with additional figures and floral designs. Priests use ghanti of different sizes to worship and pay homage to a god. This worship may occur in a temple or privately at home before the household shrine.

Artist

Unknown

Date

last half 19th century

Medium

Brass

Culture

Indian

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889