This is Lakshminarasimha, an avatar of Vishnu. The chakra and Shanka (Wheel and Conch shell) identify him as such. The open mouth with protruding tongue and striking display of canine teeth indicate the ugra (ferocious) aspects of this man-lion avatar. Lakshmi is identified by association. The reasons for the absence of the mane are not known.

This is a folk bronze from the Telugu-speaking area. The lack of proportions (relative size of chakra and shanka, and the torso proportion) and the unconventional use of a cobra as a waist ornament mark the folk aspects.

Lakshmi’s facial features reinforce the geographic attribution of Telugu-speaking region.

The bronze is 20 cm in height, and it may be dated to the early nineteenth century.