Garuda Kavacham

This brass Kavacham from Karnataka would have been the cladding for a stone figure of Garuda. The bird Garuda is the vahana of Vishnu, and is usually depicted with the torso and limbs of a man but the talons, wings and beak of an eagle. He symbolises the wind, the all consuming rays of the sun and the esoteric teachings of the Vedas. Around his waist he wears a snake, as can be seen in this piece, depicting his aspect as Nagantaka, the destroyer of snakes. In this piece he also wears a pointed crown, and is adorned with several necklaces. A metal stand has been specifically made to display this piece.
The kavacham measures 6.5 x 2.5 x 13 inches by itself. With the base, the height is 14 inches.