The sentinel

In this distinctive 500-piece puzzle we see a red-faced drishti gombe with outwardly bent black horns peering out from the wall. Crouched on his jutted-out tongue is a golden scorpion facing upward toward a fearsome array of snow-white fangs. In the background a hypnotic pattern of golden bindis and tiny red scorpions stretches in all directions. Light and shadows play off of the drishti gombe’s plaster exterior, paint glistening as if still drying on his vividly colored face.

The drishti gombe is a common sight across South India. You can find them perched on ledges, or hanging high overhead on the sides of houses and shops. With its bright colors, toothy grin and piercing eyes, the drishti gombe is placed in prominent view over its surroundings to ward off evil spirits and chase away bad energy.

Also in the series

• Drishti Chakra Puzzle
• Drishti Mane Puzzle