This is Panjurli, a Bhuta figure from Coastal Karnataka. Bhuta translates roughly to a demon. But here it means a spirit. Bhuta worship is common in the areas around Udupi/Mangalore. For more information, refer to a blog on Pilichandi, the tiger spirit.

Here, the boar-faced Bhuta is riding a boar. Note the tusks on the rider as well as his vahana, boar. The rider has human-like arms and legs. But instead of toes, he has hooves. The rider is wearing a crown, arm-bands, necklace and anklets. He appears to be draped as well. In his left hand, he has a bell, consistent with what we see in Panjuli with human riders. In his right hand, he would have held a sword.

The patina is a bit too consistent for it to be an antique, and this bronze may not date earlier than the twentieth century. Most of the Bhuta figures are dated to the eighteenth century or later. It is quite likely that the earlier bhuta figures were made of wood, and their life was limited.

This bronze is about 11 cm in height.