Porcupine

Object Details

• Label

  This piece is made in typical Kondh style, with wire mesh over a solid earthern core. The needle-like quills are raised and cover the upper surface of the animals body. Porcupines are common in this part of the country and porcupine quills were used by the Kondh people to secure and decorate their hair. Such pieces of animal sculpture formed part of the dowry given to the bridegroom.

• Provenance

  At least from early 20th century-?

  Ownership information unknown

  ?-1992

  Dr. Samuel Eilenberg (1913-1998), method of acquisition unknown [1]

  From 1992

  Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, purchased from Dr. Samuel Eilenberg [2]

  Notes:

  [1] See “Incoming Receipt,” dated October 24, 1991, copy in object file. The object was transferred from Dr. Samuel Eilenberg to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery for acquisition consideration on October 24, 1991.

  Samuel Eilenberg (1913-1998) , a Polish emigre who came to the United States in 1939, was one of the 20th century's most renowned experts on algebraic topology and developed a new field of mathematics called homological algebra. He was born in Warsaw, which was a part of the Russian Empire at the time. Eilenberg became interested in art collecting on a trip to Bombay (present-day Mumbai) in the mid-1950s and put his storied collection together over the next 30 years. His fame among certain art collectors overshadows even his mathematical reputation. His collection included art from Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Central Asia dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 20th century. He acquired objects for his collection through dealers, including Spink and Son, auction houses, and also flea markets. Items from Eilenberg’s collection may also be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Brooklyn Museum, Museum of Cultural History (USLA), Friends of Israel Museum, and University of Missouri Museum of Art & Archeology.

  [2] See Arthur M. Sackler, “Acquisition Consideration Form,” approved on January 13, 1992, copy in object file.

  See also invoice from Dr. Samuel Eilenberg, dated February 26, 1992, copy in object file.

  Research updated June 20, 2023

• Collection

  National Museum of Asian Art Collection

• Previous custodian or owner

  Dr. Samuel Eilenberg (1913-1998)

• Origin

  Orissa, India

• Credit Line

  Purchase — Smithsonian Unrestricted Trust Funds

• Type

  Sculpture

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1900s, 1990s

• Name

  Eilenberg, Samuel

• Place

  Orissa, India

• Topic

  South Asian and Himalayan Art, Art, Sculpture, Porcupine, Brass (alloy), Metal-work

• Culture

  Himalayan peoples, South Asians

• Object Type

  Sculpture