Indian Carved Pillar with Animal Faces on Capitol: Stone Base

Spirals all the way up, then a small riot of leaves and faces.

Woodcarvers in 19th century Gujarat often gave structural timbers the ornament of jewelry, and this column shows why they were admired. This carved pillar with animal faces on the capital and a stone base comes from Palanpur, Gujarat, India, mid 19th century, in wood and stone. The shaft twists with bands of raised vine, in warm reddish brown with greenish patches. Leaves spring from a beaded collar and curl outward into the capital. The square stone base has a rosy tint and worn-looking corners. It rises 105 inches.

Holding up a roof was only part of the job.