Antique Bronze Hindu Ritual Bell with Hanuman Finial, Northern India, (9538GLM)

Description

This  antique Hindu ritual prayer hand bell (Hanuman Ghanti) is topped with an image of the monkey deity Hanuman who represents vital life force (prana shakti) and the ideal devotee. Hanuman embodies pure, selfless love and his presence reminds devotees to approach prayer with an open, humble, and trusting heart. Hanuman is renowned for his physical and moral strength and ringing this bell calls upon his energy to grant fearlessness, causes the wandering mind to focus on the divine, remove obstacles or evil forces.

The bell’s intricate handle represents vital life force, the dome symbolizes the universe, and the ringing clapper represents the Goddess Saraswati. Hanuman stands in the devotional stance of reverence (anjali mudra), his hands joined in prayer over his chest, holding  a sacred object perhaps a ritual sweet offering. His simple expressive facial features, prominent nose, and tall conical headdress reflect regional North India folk casting techniques

AI Market Valuation Summary

AI rates this piece as  Exceptional, Top-tier Collectors  Value for the following reasons:

This charming turn-of-the-century devotional antique bell is collector quality sought as an authentic Hindu piece made and used in prayer rituals (pujas) and spiritual practice in homes and temples. Its heavy, high-quality casting reinforces its strong acoustic qualities. The soft edges, dark natural oxidation in the crevices, hand-fashioned wire clapper, and bright ring highlight an object that was used in rituals for nearly a century. Its 14.5 oz weight is considered highly desirable for a medium-sized 6.5″ hand bell, This retains its original, natural patina with minor surface pitting from lost-wax casting mold.