A CEREMONIAL DOUBLE-SIDED TEMPLE FAN WITH BEETLE WINGS
India, 19th century

Of drop-like shape, mounted on a turned, wooden polychrome-painted handle, the fan face of stiffened calico and strands of tightly sewn straw, embellished on both sides with embroidery, metal sequins, and a total of six almond-shaped fluorescent green beetle wings, 43.5cm long.

Fans of this kind and shape were usually part of the selection of temple processions' accessories and were used to fan the bronze icons (murti) of the local deity, considered living embodiments of the gods by the devotees and priests. For further reference on fans and their use, please see Carol Illingworth, Fans from the East, Debrett's Peerage, 1978.