c. 11th century

Ritual Water Vessel for Worshiping Vishnu

The god Vishnu uses a conch shell as a war trumpet and it is one of his identifying attributes. Within the rondel on this shell Vishnu is represented in his martial role as protector of the universe. He flies through the sky on his mount, the bird-man Garuda, holding his weapons—the shell-trumpet, the mace, and the discus. Pierced conch shells are blown as trumpets to beckon the god during worship. This one, however, lacks a mouth opening on its spiral end and was probably used to hold and pour sacred water during religious ceremonies. The remarkably naturalistic depiction of playful animals suggests an early date for the carving.