Bronze,India, 18th centuryDimensions: Height 21 cm / Wide 17 cm / Depth 4 cmWeight: 576 gramsThis piece is a pectoral plaque which was worn by devotees of Hanuman like an amulet. The outer frame is simple in design, only decoated with a beaded rim. Heavy use have left a patina and rub off. The celestial monkey chief is shown striding with legs wide apart, the right arm lifted to the air, the left one holding a plant. The story depicted here is where Hanuman went flying to fetch healing herbs for the injured Rama and his army. All is surmounted by a seven-headed serpent called Naga, offering protection, flanked by two parrots. The back of the mandala is flat, the three-dimensional shape of Hanuman is hollow.