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I inherited this piece from a relative who used to travel in SE Asia on business in the 1940's and 1950's. It looks like an architectural piece to me. Can anyone help identify it?

Thanks.

Dear Steve

It looks like Tamil Nadu (south India) and Sri Lanka art.

I think it is a part of ceremony chariot fitting from Nayak Dynasty.

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The Nayaks of Kandy (a.k.a. Nayakar Dynasty) were the rulers of Sri Lanka with Kandy as their capital from 1739 to 1815. They were also the last dynasty to rule Sri Lanka. They were the descendents of the royal family of the Madurai Nayak dynasty, of Telugu origin. There were four kings of this lineage and the last king was exiled by the British to Vellore Fort in India. They assumed the Kandy throne through marriage alliances with the much prevailing Matrilineality. These kings were Hindus later converted to Buddhism and were responsible for renaissance of Buddhist culture in the Island.
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Sorry, I can't read Sanskrit.

Have fun
Anita

Looking at the condition of the wood, I would apply a lot of teak oil on this item.
Ernest

Thank you very much for the information. Do you agree with the other post that I should apply teak oil to preserve it?

Dear Steve

I like the way it looks old. I do not apply any preservative agent in my ancient teak wood collection, I'm afraid those agent will absorb in the wood, and make them less value to my kids after I left the mortal world behind. Just clean dust with pig hair brush, and keep them in dry place. And termites won't eat teak wood.

Have fun
Anita

I agree with Anita that this item is beyond restoration, and it should be kept the way it is!

The problem with tropical woods is that in cold and dry countries the wood dries and disintegrates. As long as those woods stay in tropical countries, they are fine. This is why I find that oiling tropical woods makes them last longer (I live in Canada).
Ernest

Just put glasses of water near your wooden carvings and other objects which might be "damaged" by your heating system, warm lights of your display cabinet or countries climate.

Many of the dealers of Asian art use this "trick".

If you Google you will find more tricks to keep the air in your house humid and protect your object from getting damaged by the dry air.

Don't forget to refill and don't over do it!

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