Description
Nature divinities, or yakshis, are associated with the life-giving forces of plants, so her headdress includes a dramatic array of leaves and flowers. Her companion, a female figure with male genitalia, is a dwarf who has connections with the fecundity of the earth. Terracotta figurines were often venerated in domestic shrines for the ongoing prosperity of the family.
Provenance
National Museum, New Delhi, India, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art by exchange (?–1972); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1972–)
Accession Number
1972.259
Medium
terracotta
Dimensions
Overall: 18 cm (7 1/16 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Credit Line
Gift of Adrienne Minassian by exchange