OBJECT OF THE WEEK SERIES-35 (18th to 24th January, 2021) PALKI Traditional Wooden Palanquin वेबसाइट की लिंक / Website link - https://igrms.com/wordpress/?page_id=2262 फेसबुक लिंक / Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/NationalMuseumMankind The Palanquin is perceived to be an ancient medium of wheelless transport used by humans. For many centuries, this human-powered enclosed vehicle also served as an elite form of transport in many a culture. In India, the traditional use of Palanquin has a symbolic attachment to the wedding ceremony. This Palanquin from West Bengal reflects the glorious tradition of bidding the bride farewell at the wedding time. In various provinces of the State, wedding Palanquins are traditionally owned by the Raut community. It was probably a good investment for the owner who could rent it out many a time. The object is made out of wood, having a rectangular box at the center, supported by two round wooden poles on both sides for lifting and carrying purposes. It is painted with floral designs reflecting the aesthetic sense of the maker. Various motifs like the lotus flower, flowerpot, elephant, tiger, and conch used in the Palki are believed to be auspicious. The sliding doors at one side of the Palanquin with its spacious sitting place allows the bride to travel safely. The Dusadhs of Purulia district, West Bengal, were primarily employed as palanquin bearers at marriage ceremonies. With the advent of modern means of transportation, the use of Palanquin gradually vanishes from this alluring tradition of the State. Accession No.: 97.519 Local Name -PALKI, Traditional wooden palanquin Tribe/Community – Folk community Locality – Midnapur, West Bengal Measurement – Height – 27cm ., Max Width –26.6 cm., Category – ‘A’ #palkii #palanquin #wedding #woodwork #humanpoweredvehicle #transport #travel #midnapur #westbengal #folk #raut #igrms #museumfromhome #objectoftheweek #ethnograhicobject #museumobject #museumofman #museumofmankind #museumofhumankind #experienceigrms #igrmsstories #staysafe #covid19 https://www.instagram.com/p/CKLicQnFvMu/?igshid=1grecd337thad
