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Ancient Bronze Bell with Airavata (Three-Headed Elephant) – Karen Tribal Art
120.00 €
VAT included
Ancient bronze bell with Airavata (three-headed elephant) in high 3D relief. In Hindu mythology, Airavata is the mount of the god Indra, guardian of the cardinal points and symbol of rain, fertility and abundance. The three heads represent Past, Present and Future or Heaven, Earth and Hell. In Thailand and Laos, it is a national symbol of protection and majesty. Origin: Karen villages of Burma. Material: bronze. Bell height 15 cm, base 10x7 cm, weight 780 g. Total structure: height 27 cm, base 21x11 cm. Unique handmade piece.
Ancient bronze bell with Airavata (three-headed elephant) in high 3D relief. Here are the main meanings associated with this figure.
1. Airavata (Erawan)
In Hindu mythology, the three-headed elephant is known as Airavata (or Erawan in Thai). It is the mount (vahana) of the god Indra, the king of gods and lord of lightning and storms.
Guardian of the cardinal points: Originally, Airavata is described with multiple heads (often four or even thirty-three), symbolizing the guarding of the various cardinal points and the protection of the cosmos.
Symbol of rain: Being linked to Indra, the elephant is a symbol of fertility and abundance. It was believed that Airavata could draw water from the abyss and then spray it into the sky, creating rain.
2. Symbolic Meanings
Beyond the religious context, the three heads carry philosophical and temporal interpretations:
- Time: They represent the temporal triad: Past, Present and Future.
- Cosmology: They can symbolize the three realms or worlds: Heaven (realm of the gods), Earth (realm of humans) and Hell (underworld).
- Virtues: In some modern interpretations, they are associated with moral qualities such as Wisdom, Strength and Patience.
3. National and Political Symbol
In Thailand and Laos, Erawan has historically had political importance:
- Kingdom of Laos: Until 1975, the flag of the Kingdom of Laos featured a three-headed elephant under a royal umbrella, symbolizing the unification of three ancient kingdoms (Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Champasak).
- Royal Protection: In Thailand, the image is ubiquitous in art and architecture (such as the famous Erawan Museum in Samut Prakan) as a sign of protection and majesty.
Dimensions and material
- Material: Bronze
- Bell height: 15 cm
- Bell base: 10 x 7 cm
- Bell weight: 780 grams
- Total structure dimensions: height 27 cm, base 21 x 11 cm
- Origin: Karen villages of Burma
- Craftsmanship: Handmade – unique piece
Perfect for collectors, altar, meditation, ethnic decor, feng shui study or as a spiritual gift. A piece of history and mythology to cherish.
cam06
1 Item
Data sheet
- Material :
- Bronze
- Made in :
- Nepal
- Weight gr.
- 780
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Ancient bronze bell with Airavata (three-headed elephant) in high 3D relief. In Hindu mythology, Airavata is the mount of the god Indra, guardian of the cardinal points and symbol of rain, fertility and abundance. The three heads represent Past, Present and Future or Heaven, Earth and Hell. In Thailand and Laos, it is a national symbol of protection and majesty. Origin: Karen villages of Burma. Material: bronze. Bell height 15 cm, base 10x7 cm, weight 780 g. Total structure: height 27 cm, base 21x11 cm. Unique handmade piece.