AN ENAMELLED AND GEM SET STEEL ELEPHANT GOAD (ANKUS)

This gem set and enamelled goad (ankus) was constructed for use by a mahout to control and direct an elephant. Alongside its practical function, the goad’s elaborate jeweled decoration suggests a ceremonial use perhaps in a religious or state procession where richly caparisoned elephants would have played an important role. An ankus was also seen as a symbol of authority. In his 1886 publication, Colonel Hendley notes that gold and enamelled goads formed part of the dress of honor given by the Maharaja of Jaipur to some of his high-ranking nobles (Jaffer 2013, p.196). The ankus has symbolic importance as being an attribute of various Hindu deities, including the elephant-headed Ganesh, and is often found in temple treasuries in India. It is one of eight auspicious objects (ashtamangala) used at ceremonial occasions and is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, as well as Jainism and Buddhism.
There is a comparable gem-encrusted and enamelled elephant goad from Jaipur in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (inv.no. 02693 (IS); Skelton et al, 1982, cat. 449, p.136); one in the Wallace collection, London (inv.no. OA11382) and another illustrated in Spink 2000, pp.58-59, no. 36 (Jaffer 2013, p.196). All three, like the present lot, can be dated to the 19th century on the basis of their gem settings and enamelling styles.