Object Details
Culture
Java
Medium
Painted rawhide, bullhorn
Dimensions
34 1/4 x 13 3/4 inches (87 x 35 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired through the George and Mary Rockwell Fund, and gift of the Estate of Louise Taraldson Woods, by exchange
Object
Number
2008.073.066
Gathotkatca is an important warrior in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. This unusual and finely painted G(…)
Gathotkatca is an important warrior in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. This unusual and finely painted Gathotkatca puppet includes very detailed depictions of the character’s feathers, located on the arms and body of the figure, indicating his ability to fly. As the son of Bima, the famously strong Pandawa brother, and the raksasa Hidimbi, he was a powerful ally in the Kurukshetra war. Ultimately, he is killed by his uncle, Karna, who fought on the side of his adopted brothers, the Korawas.
