Antique/Vintage Carved Hindu Devi Child’s Doll, India (3120FLK) $75

Description

In India, as other Asian countries, Hindu children were given votive objects and carvings as dolls representing murti (deities), legendary heroes, and myths to entertain, educate, and reinforce pride in their heritage and religion. This Indian folk-art carving is a Devi, the Sanskrit word for goddess meaning heavenly, divine, and a thing of excellence. Carved Devis are positive spirits and fertility deities who over provide rain and protect the village’s agriculture and well-being and are unique to each village with individual origin stories and varying personalities. This Devi was likely an Indian girl’s first personal votive object and may have also been used for daily puja (prayers) on the family’s home altar.  She is identified by the tikka mark on her forehead, ample breasts – a wish for fertility-, bent arms across her waist, and her upright stance asserting her position as a deity. It is in weathered but good condition and much of the reddish paint covering its surface is visible under its darkened surface.This piece is part of the VA Collection of Hindu-Art and Hindu-Cultural-and-Ritual Art Collection.