Antique Nepalese butter jar lid

Antique wooden cover for a butter jar. Artisan handmade item from Nepal.

In the Himalayan herding communities, (yak) butter is one of the main staple foods and an important trading item. Traditionally it is stored in handmade wooden jars with a raised edge, relatively small opening and wooden lid. These jars may differ slightly in style and size; for example smaller ones to be taken along with traders and larger ones for household storage.

Often the jars are of very simple, purely practical design. But sometimes they can be true pieces of art, with especially much attention paid to the lids.

This item shows such a handcarved wooden lid with the depiction of a large bovine/cow species, which could be either a yak or (considering the obvious 'lump' between the shoulder blades) a zebu. 

The cow is considered the national animal of Nepal. There are many reasons for this, such as the simple fact that for most Nepalese people agriculture is (and for generations long has been) their most important way of engagement. But also the influence of Hinduism, in which faith the cow is a symbol for the goddess Lakshmi, adds to the affection and even devotion for the cow. 

In Nepal the cow is a sacred animal, which is protected from all kinds of abuse. Harming or killing a cow is considered to be a criminal offense. The symbolism connected with the cow is very rich. Among many other meanings, the cow stands for abundance, wealth, fertility and prosperity and her milk and milk-derived products such as butter and ghee are considered to be products of the biggest purity and value and are therefore used in lots of ceremonies and rituals.

The jar for which this lid once has been made has gone missing over time, but this actually is quite common; the jar would have been a purely practical piece of less value, which simply would have been thrown away when it was no longer in good condition. The lid with the cow figurine however was much more valuable; an almost sacred piece showing deep veneration for the importance of the cow. It wouldn't have been uncommon for such a piece to find its way to the family altar. 

The exact age of this beautifully carved wooden lid is hard to determine, but it can roughly be estimated somewhere in the early to mid 20th century. Of course it shows some signs of its age and previous usage, but overall it is in good condition and will make a beautiful piece on your altar. 

Sizes; approximately 10 centimeters high and 9 centimeters in diameter. Weight is 146 grams.