Veera Rustomji



Of Claws and Crowns

IVS Gallery
Karachi, 2023

Installation images: IVS Gallery
Screening of ‘Monsoon Crab’ at IVS Gallery. 
Yezdegerd, Maximum Dimensions (oval shaped lightbox) 24 x 17 inches
Narseh, Maximum Dimensions (oval shaped lightbox) 09 x 13 inches
Ardashir, Maximum Dimensions (oval shaped lightbox) 13 x 20 inches 
Compilation of crab-related footage from multiple poinrs within the Indus Delta


On March 3rd, 1979, an ovigerous female crab was collected from the Karachi coastline. Brought into a laboratory in a plastic box half filled with seawater, she was taken for scientific purposes as part of a research paper which investigated the physical development of Paguristes perspicax, a genus of the hermit crab. For the authors of this paper who were marine zoologists from the University of Karachi, their primary reason for conducting this study was because there was not enough pre-existing data on female crabs to explain anatomical reproduction. Secondly, they felt that the variety of species found from around the Arabian Sea were underrepresented in life span and stage-growth studies.

The consistent and humorous movements as well as the activities portrayed by the crab in this film, mimic how removed we are from understanding the biological intricacies and complexities of creatures around our coastline. The multiplicity of symbolism which crabs have to offer through food, the zodiac, coastal traditions and history tell us that these crustaceans have far reaching importance. The Greco-Roman rulers, for instance, engraved crabs with tridents on their coins to show strength at sea via the stout shells and razor sharp chela/claws. The usage of animal symbolism in coinage was subsequently carried on era by era. By 224 AD, the founder of the Sasanian dynasty Ardashir I, used animalistic emblems linked with nature to represent victory in the crowns he wore. The Sasanian kings left a legacy of artefacts and architecture to be remembered by, but one of the most sought after relics from the Sasanians empire are their coins.


  Some of which have been excavated from the archaeological site of Banbhore, about an hour east from Karachi. Featuring the side profiles of the rulers, the distinctive characteristic of these coins were the type of crowns stylized and personalised to each man’s aspiring virtues. The crowns of the Sasanians were designed as such to show a tandem between king and god. However, the weight of the crowns themselves, were so heavy from encrusted jewels that they could not ever actually be worn and were hence suspended over the throne to create the illusion of it sitting atop a head. 

These visual tactics in terms of costume and depiction have led my research to consider how easy it is to construct these imaginary notions of power and make-believe. It is undeniable that at some point, we all pursue games of role-play.  


Special thanks to the WWF Wetland Centre for facilitating the work.
Installation/exhibition photography credits: Humayun Memon
Film captured by: Mairaj-ul-Haq