Veerabhadra Shield

Veerabhadra Shield

Veerabhadra (Virabhadra) is shown on this shield with Prajapati Daksh and Sati on his right and left. There is a Nandi and Lingam above his head on either side of a fantastic kirtimukhi. This Veerabhadra has a very elaborate headdress including a seven headed Naga and Jata that swirls out in a figure 8-infinity shape. On either side of his headdress is a sun and moon.  Veerabhadra is covered in jewelry–necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anklets; and his weapons are all intact. There remains evidence of worship in the form of red kumkum powder and a white substance. The back of the shield has a handle so the it can be carried in a processional ceremony.

The fabrication of this shield is repousse over a pitch base which is captured in between two sheets of copper. There is some wear from rubbing in worship as well as some cracking on the bottom edge.