Spiritual Art and Artifacts include art, artifacts and ritual objects that embrace a reverence for and belief in spiritual power higher than ourselves. VA’s collection includes objects and creations reflecting Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Taoism, popular and folk religions, animism and Shamanism traditions. We also include ritual ceremonial items and objects that serve as a transitional link between the living and those in the afterworld which encompasses a broad range of objects: statues, carvings, paintings, textiles, jewelry, masks, pottery and other items.
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Nandi is among the most frequent Hindu deities worshiped in public places, temples, homes, or on a home altar throughout India. As one of Hinduism’s mythical animals, Nandi is Shiva’s vahana, (his mount that transports him), attendant and leader of his attendants and guardian of all four-footed animals. A recumbent image of Nandi on a…
This antique highly embellished Bolivian religious document holder was possibly used for priests’ sermons or other important documents. Its finely brocaded purple fabric with gold thread features stylized passion flowers and roses widely used in Christianity representing Jesus’ crucifixion and purity .
Dhorka brass lost wax grain and rice measuring bowl. One-of-a-kind intricately decorated with horizontal and triangular striations. Bowls were symbol of Hindu goddess Lakshmi placed on home altars for puja.
Dhorka brass lost wax grain and rice measuring bowl. One-of-a-kind intricately decorated with horizontal and triangular striations. Bowls were symbol of Hindu goddess Lakshmi placed on home altars for puja.
This lovely Bolivian antique silver cross ending with rounded ends and three incised bars has a soft patina from centuries of wear. The old woven chain has an updated clasp.
This antique stone Tudi Gong statue was finely crafted by a local provincial artisan and reflects many traditional characteristics of this beloved lower status deity: a benevolent face, voluminous rotund belly, slouched shoulders, and holding taels to bestow wealth and fortune and maybe assurances to rural common folk. In his past he rested happily on an outdoor shrine, and would be very happy to continue doing so in a home garden to bring prosperity and an aura of past times to a new family.
Exquisitely carved with expressive and spiritual bearings, these three 19th century rare small antique wood Apostles have eyes with inset glass, painted lashes, and well-articulated facial features . The crack lines on each side of their faces indicate the process by which the eyes were inset in front of the faces. All are seated, bearded and wear similar robes, although the garments are in different vibrant color combinations, the hand positions are varied and the body postures diverge slightly. Each is mounted on a two-tiered wood base, elevated at different heights. This piece is featured in a VA instagram post.
Nandi is among the most frequent Hindu deities worshiped in public places, temples, homes, or on a home altar throughout India. As one of Hinduism’s mythical animals, Nandi is Shiva’s vahana, (his mount that transports him), attendant and leader of his attendants and guardian of all four-footed animals. A recumbent image of Nandi on a…
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