J. Sultan Ali

(1920-1990)

Nag-Puja

Footnotes

Provenance
Property from a private collection, London.
Acquired from the artist;
Acquired from the above.

In Indian tradition, the serpent, or nag, is venerated as a powerful deity associated with fertility, protection, and renewal. The practice of snake worship dates back to the early Indus Valley civilization and continues to be an integral part of religious observances, particularly in rural and tribal communities. This reverence stems from the snake's dualistic nature—embodying both creation and destruction, life and death—qualities that resonate with the cycles of nature. Rituals dedicated to snake worship are often held at specific times of the year, such as during the festival of Nag Panchami (serpent worship), where devotees offer milk, flowers, and prayers at anthills or temples dedicated to snake deities. These practices are believed to appease the serpents and ensure the well-being of the land, crops, and community, while also warding off calamities. The serpent's symbolic role as a guardian of hidden knowledge and the earth's treasures further underscores its significance in mythology and folklore.

J. Sultan Ali's Nag-Puja (snake worship) is a striking exploration of ritual and spirituality, rendered through the artist's distinct visual language that combines folk traditions with modernist aesthetics. The two central figures are stylised and elongated, their simplified forms set against a vivid, textured background, whilst the three figures to the right of the composition appear anthropomorphic. Ali's bold use of reds, oranges and yellows coupled with the rhythmic lines infuses the composition with a sense of movement and energy, reflecting the fervour and dynamism of ritual practices. Ali is famed for his 'bulls,' a recurrent motif in his oeuvre, and here there are two bulls depicted to the left of the canvas. Bulls represent strength, vitality, and spirituality, and Ali imbues the animal with a symbolic meaning that transcends its physical form.

To see a similar work sold in these rooms see Bonhams, Modern & Contemporary South Asian Art, 25th October 2021, lot 21.