Under the Latest and popular online series of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya entitled ‘Exhibit of the Week’ the Annapakshi Vilaku, a big brass lamp collected from 1999. The Community of Rural People of Kollam, Kerala. It’s Measurement Height - 217 cm., Width – 52 cm. displayed in the audience as The third Exhibit of the month of July, 2021 through official website, Facebook, Instagram and twitter page of the IGRMS.
In this regard Praveen Kumar Mishra, Director, IGRMS said that Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (National Museum of Mankind), Initially this series will focus on the masterpieces from its collection which are considered as unique for their contribution to the cultural history of a particular ethnic group or area.
Annapakshi vilaku is a brass lamp. Annapakshi, literally means a bird resembling a swan which is said to be mythical, lives in the heaven, known for its purity, divinity and prosperity. Vilaku means lamp. This giant lamp is having a circular base, long stem and flaring bowl like oil container with wicks. The lamp is topped by an Annapakshi bird.
Making of this marvellous lamp involves lost wax solid casting done by traditional metal workers. The lamp is casted in such a manner that it can be easily dismantled and reassembled. Lighting of Annapakashi vilaku at special occasions brings in harmony and positive energy. Placing this lamp at house entrance brings prosperity, peace, and happiness and it also glorifies the surrounding looks.