Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana being Honored by Sages, Hanuman, and his Army

Art Historical Context

This exquisite ivory sculpture from India's Nayaka period (17th18th century) captures a pivotal moment from the epic Ramayana: Prince Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana receiving honors from wise sages, the devoted monkey god Hanuman, and hisara army. Carved in Tamil Nadu, a vibrant center of South Indian culture under Nayaka rulers—who succeeded the Vijayanagara Empire—this piece celebrates themes of dharma (righteousness), devotion, and triumph, central to Hindu mythology. Such scenes were popular in temple rituals and royal courts, embodying the era's deep reverence for epic narratives. Crafted from ivory, a prized medium in South India for its creamy translucency and workability, the sculpture showcases masterful techniques like fine incising and piercing to create dynamic figures in high relief. At just under 6 inches tall, its compact size (H. 5 15/16 in.; W. 4 in.) made it ideal for portable devotion or scholarly display, highlighting the Nayaka artists' skill in rendering expressive faces, flowing garments, and intricate details on a slender 3/8-inch depth. Though by an unknown artist, it exemplifies the period's fusion of spirituality and artistry. Today, this gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1962) offers visitors a window into Tamil Nadu's rich sculptural legacy, where ivory bridged the divine and everyday life.