Ankush (Elephant Goad)
ca. 17th century, Steel with gilding, copper with gilding, rock crystal, India, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, 54.38
Listen to actor Hudson Yang discuss this artwork.
Produced by Acoustiguide © Seattle Art Museum
A Prince Riding an Elephant Holding an Ankush
The ankush has been a symbol of Indian royalty for many centuries. This painting, done in the imperial Mughal court in the 1600s, shows a young prince using an ornate ankush to guide an elephant through the forest.
The Young Emperor Akbar Riding on a Parade Elephant © Museum für Islamische Kunst, bpk Bildagentur, Art Resource NY
Elephants in Royal Ceremonies
Elephants continue to play an important role in traditional ceremonies in India, including religious processions and weddings. This video shows the re-creation of a royal procession at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, India. Notice how the mahout (elephant handler) carries an ankush.
Royal Procession recreated at Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, © Neil Greentree.