Nature Divinity (Yakshi) with Dwarf Hermaphrodite

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–)

Nature Divinity (Yakshi) with Dwarf Hermaphrodite

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c. 100 BCE

Accession Number

1972.259

Medium

terracotta

Dimensions

Overall: 18 cm (7 1/16 in.)

Classification

Sculpture

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Adrienne Minassian by exchange