Tika Container

Currently not on view

Tika Container

c. Mid- 19th - early 20th century

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

The tika (or tilak) is a mark created by applying powder or paste on the forehead, worn traditionally by both men and women. Depending on the design created, it can denote religious affiliations or regional identity. When drawn as a small dot in the center of a woman’s forehead (also called a bindi), a tika is thought to denote marital status and enhance beauty. Used in the solah shringar beautification ritual, the powder is often kept in elaborately decorated containers, such as this example decorated with peacocks, a symbol of love.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Tika Container

Date:

c. Mid- 19th - early 20th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Brass

Dimensions:

3 1/2 × 1 7/8 × 6 1/4 inches (8.9 × 4.8 × 15.9 cm)

Classification:

Containers

Credit Line:

Purchased with the Stella Kramrisch Fund, 2004

Accession Number:

2004-72-11

Geography:

Made in western India, India, Asia

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Currently not on view