Three South-Indian carved wood reliefs with a horseman and mythological animals, 19th C.

35 x 16,5 cm (the lion)

33,5 x 16,5 cm (the horseman)

31 x 18,5 cm (the bird)

The wood reliefs most probably part of a processional chariot (ratha). 

The horseman most probably Kalki (also Kalkin or Karki), the prophesied tenth and final incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. He is described to appear in order to end the Kali Yuga, one of the four periods in the endless cycle of existence (Krita) in Vaishnava cosmology. The end of the Kali Yuga states this will usher in the new epoch of Satya Yuga in the cycle of existence, until the Mahapralaya (dissolution of the universe). Kalki is described in the Puranas as the avatar who rejuvenates existence by ending the darkest and destructive period to remove adharma (unrighteousness) and ushering in the Satya Yuga, while riding a white horse with a fiery sword. (link)