Artwork Page for Female Tree Deity with Attendant

Details / Information for Female Tree Deity with Attendant

Female Tree Deity with Attendant

c. 973

Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Sikar, Harshagiri, 10th century

Medium
sandstone
Measurements
Overall: 54.6 cm (21 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Severance A. Millikin 1967.202
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

There is a small monkey perched by the tree deity's shoulder.

Description

Memories of the nature divinities so important on the exterior of ancient Buddhist sites persist in female figures such as this on Hindu temples of the medieval period. Her form personifies fecundity, and the mango tree with which she is integrated bursts into the fruits that dangle down the side of the sculpture. Her attendant gazes into a mirror. This sculpture exemplifies the stylistic characteristics of the 900s, with the exaggerated thrust of her hip, and dense, crisply rendered areas of jewelry offset by smooth planes of flesh. Facial features are articulated with linear clarity and sharp outlines. These idealized female figures convey the notion of auspicious abundance and prosperity in the created world, which are benefits of worship and support of the temple.
Brown sandstone sculpture fragment depicting a woman deity, her hip thrust to her left, right arm reaching down to embrace another woman, half her size, against her. Both figures look down and to their left, with nude upper bodies and detailed strings of jewelry hanging down from their waists and neck. The deity's right arm and lower legs have broken off and behind her head shows the remnants of a larger panel.

Female Tree Deity with Attendant

c. 973

Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Sikar, Harshagiri, 10th century

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