A RAISED BRASS HAND OF A SATI, PROBABLY RAJASTHAN, 17TH-18TH CENTURY

Cast as the elbow and forearm, the hand open and chased with details on both sides, the base of the arm with a broad aperture for mounting

In overall good condition, approximately one centimetre hole to the lower right side of the face of the hand, and smaller, five millimetre hole at the base of the arm. Minor ware and stains across the whole object. Hollowed out interior with opening at the base, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The practice of Sati, the self-immolation of a wife following the death of her husband, evolved from the legend of Shiva and his first wife, Sati. By the Mughal period, the custom had become embedded across much of India and amongst a broader social range. However, this was not with the support of the Mughals themselves, who attempted to limit its occurence as did the British in the 19th century.

The site of the burial of the ashes of a Sati were marked in several ways. Often stones were carved with a raised arm, indicating the blessing bestowed by the Sati on her followers. This arm could appear on its own or emanating from a pillar. This brass arm appears to follow in this tradition but to embrace a three-dimensional representation. It may have been used to mark the burial site of a particularly noteworthy Sati, subject to the attention of devotees.