Buffalo Horn Palanquin from Vizagapatam

Palanquins were the most popular means of transport in British India before the introduction of horse-drawn vehicles and the railway. This model is of a meehana or meena, a type of box palanquin developed and introduced from around 1800. There are lamps and louvres at the reclining end and silver -plated wires modelling the supporting metal work to be found in the real article.

As seen here, the palanquin resembled a large chest, and was carried by four men, two back and two front, carrying the box with its passenger supported by long cane poles on their shoulders.

This fine model, made from buffalo horn, has the sliding doors which open onto an accurately rendered interior with its red mattress and cushion, a shelf above for the passengers belongings, and a red stained pelmet. Probably from the workshops of Vizagapatam, circa 1840.

17.5 inches long x 4 inches deep