Truemors
The first time Mike and I saw this one, we both said at the same time something along the lines of, "Well, if there were ever a good reason to kill an elephant..."
There was also a couple looking at the piece at the time. I don't think they were amused.
From the Info Placard:
Royal Peacock Barge
India, West Bangal, Murshidabad, late 19th century
Ivory
"Ivory boats such as this particularly large example depict the royla pleasure boats that were enjoyed by Siraj-ud Duala, the governor (nawab) of Bengal (r.1756-57), and his guests during festivals on the Ganges River. The term "peacock barge" refers to the prow, which is in the form of a peacock. Such boats typically have entertainment pavilions with musicians, dancers, and a communal hookah. These model boats could be customized for a Hindu clientelle by omitting the servant pulling the cord of th ceiling fan and adding a shrine of the goddess Durga Slaying the Buffalo Demon. Once graced with the divine image, the boats may have been used for ritual immersion during Durga festivals."
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