Vintage Architectural or Temple Column Shrine Figure of Dewi Sri Rice Goddess, Bali (3044)

Description

Balinese farmers have traditionally been members social and work groups called a subak. Sharing adjacent rice fields, they work together to maintain field temples and shrines and celebrate agricultural festivals together, especially on holidays dedicated to her. They beautify temples and fields with colorful offerings made from bamboo, banana leaves, woven rattan, and other natural materials to bring her favor.

This rare vintage carving was likely made for a home shrine or small rice field temple dedicated to Dewi Sri, the Balinese Goddess of Rice and Fertility. She is the most revered  and worshipped goddess in Bali and Java. An Earth God who controls rice fields and the growth of rice, she personifies the life force in Hinduism, controls birth, prosperity, rice surpluses and  poverty, famine and death. Prayers and colorful offerings for health and prosperity were traditionally made to her daily at home, small temples in rice fields and community shrines. The hole near the bottom was used to peg this figure to a larger wooden family shrine pavilion or a communal village granary.

She is presented as a beautiful young elite celestial dancer or queen with an elaborate ornate garment and and highly decorative, multi-tiered floral crown which indicates her divine status. Her body sarong is adorned with traditional wrap highlighted with gold leaf that falls  gracefully between her legs. She holds a traditional draped ritual cloth or sash (selendang) in a position of humble devotion.

AI Market Valuation Summary

AI rates this piece as  Collectible and Premium Quality  for the following reasons:

At 14.3 inches tall, the beautiful mid-century the statue demonstrates excellent vertical symmetry. The surface retains significant original gold leaf gilding over a base layer of red polychrome paint with a soft, flaky luster of real gold leaf. The extensive natural oxidation, splitting, and deep coloration from years of exposure to tropical temple humidity and ceremonial incense smoke verifies it is an authentic and used ritual item. The carver’s fine craftmanship highlights the facial features with classic, peaceful downcast almond eyes, arched brows, and serene smile associated with the renowned era of Balinese religious art. The museum-grade Lucite base elevates and balances the rough, uneven historical timber base without damaging the wood fibers.

Sources

Sidarta Wijaya, A Balinese Folktale: Dewi Sri, Goddess of Rice, Blog.Baliwww.com, 2007.

Wikipedia, Dewi Sri, wikipedia.org/wiki/Dewi Shri