The fish is a traditional symbol of fertility and plenty in India. As creatures of boundless liberty, fish appear as saviours in Indian myth and as avatars, or incarnations, of the deities Vishnu and Varuna.Wooden padukas inlaid with brass20th century, South BengalP84.154Photo: John Bigelow Taylor
The fish is a traditional symbol of fertility and plenty in India. As creatures of boundless liberty, fish appear as saviours in Indian myth and as avatars, or incarnations, of the deities Vishnu and Varuna.
Wooden padukas inlaid with brass
20th century, South Bengal
P84.154
Photo: John Bigelow Taylor

The Paduka

Inlaid Padukas

Although simple wooden padukas could be worn by common people, padukas of fine teak, ebony and sandalwood, inlaid with ivory or wire, were a mark of the wearer's high status.
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