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 bird. Bird symbolism can be found all over Nepal, both on practical everyday objects and sacred ritual items. The symbolism might vary; from very specific meanings associated with a specific bird species to more general bird symbolism. It is difficult to say what exact bird is depicted on this lid, but most likely it represents the Danphe; the local name for the Impeyan Monal, a type of very colorful pheasant native to the Himalayan mountain area's, one of Nepal's most famous national symbols.
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 bird figurine however was much more valuable; an almost sacred piece showing deep veneration. 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. Please note; as can be seen on the pictures this piece shows some signs of its age, most noteable of which is a crack in the round part of the lid. The bird figurine however is in good condition and overall this item with its rustique charm will look great on your altar.
Sizes; approximately 6,5 centimeters high and 8 centimeters in diameter. Weight is 63 grams.
