What is This? A Belt or Other BUCKLE? Thank you!

This item looks like it may be from India. Brass. Cow?

Measures 5-1/4” long x 4-1/4” deep. Figure is about 2-1-2” high. Openings of large holes are roughly 1/2” in diameter.

WHAT IS IT? Thank you for your help and opinions!

 

Brahma bull?

 

Bull buckle?

 

Door knocker?

 

There is no plate to knock tho

 

There might not have been one, or it might be missing. It sure looks like the bull was meant to be a handle.

 

This was made in a part of the world where they never needed doorknockers or belt buckles.
It is typical Dhokra art, from NE India. The Dhokra Dammar are a nomadic tribe.
The bull is Nandi, the mount of Hindu deity Shiva, who could be the figure on top. The other animals probably refer to Shiva in his aspect of Pashupati, Lord of the Animals, very important to nomadic people.

I have never seen a piece like this before, Dhokra art is not really my field of interest. So this is just a guess, but it could have been part of a decoration as a blessing on the forehead of a bull.

 

Lucky guess. Knowing a bit of Asian cultures helped to picture it in my mind, and I just thought it would fit.

 

WOW @Any Jewelry ! What a perfect answer! You hit the bull on the head I think! AWESOME Your I for is GREATLY appreciated!!

 

PERFECT!

 

Bully for you!

 

Should have known Any would know this one!