South Indian Shaivite Ascetic’s Bronze Nandi Bracelet or Bangle (Virkangan)

The cast copper alloy bangle or armlet, known as a virkangan, has been cast with fourteen images of the seated Nandi, the vahana (celestial vehicle) of Shiva.

Unusually, the images are distinct despite age and wear, and originally, the bangle was better-cast than most extant examples.

Such a bangle was worn by a Shaivite ascetic.

A related example is illustrated in Untracht (1997, p. 248).

The bangle has excellent patina. There is significant wear to the interior from actual wearing and so several subsequent holes in the ring which provide further testament to the bangle’s age. Importantly, the fourteen Nandi figures remain recognisable as such.