Indian Bronze Oil Lamp

This small bronze object is a form of Indian hanging oil lamp known as a thookku vilakku, or pendant light. This example dates to the 19th century and features a shallow dish raised by a flared base and secured to a long chain and hook. The body of the lamp acts as a reservoir for oil or ghee and ends in five spouts used to support a burning wick. Always an integral part of the prayer room, these lamps were an important aspect of ritual worship offered to a deity and were found in both the temple and the home.