Indian Palanquin Arm Cover

A bronze snarl, made to dress the end of a carrying pole.

This palanquin arm cover was cast in bronze in India in the 17th century or earlier. Palanquins, the enclosed seats carried on bearers’ shoulders, were commonly fitted with ornate metal terminals at their ends and arms. The cover is a hollow cylinder topped with a fierce, wide-eyed animal face, brow heavy and mouth drawn tight. A ring of pierced diamond-shaped openings circles the crown, and a plain rimmed collar finishes the base. The bronze is a dark olive-brown, rubbed lighter on the high points of the face.

About six inches high. Desk-sized menace, in a good way.