Caved jackwood figure of a female bhuta deity, integral to the Bhuta cult. This particular smaller form of usually larger figures would have originally been secured to a cart. South Karnataka, late 18th century.
Bhuta are created to partake in a possession ritual for the bhuta impersonator or Patri to occupy. The bhuta enters into the physical body of the human representation .
Measures : 18" H x 5.5 " at shoulders base is 4.5" x 4.5"