Karnataka
Wood, polychromed
This charming folk ritual head of the Goddess Gauri captures attention with its piercing gaze and contrasting gentle features. Such figures were placed in folk temples in Karnataka and usually painted and clothed.
Gauri is the name of a benevolent goddess, consort of Shiva or Varuna. Connected with the rains, she is reputed to be the source of the world and the embodiment of motherhood. She is depicted as a two-or four-armed woman of fair complexion, carrying in her upper arms prayer beads and a water pot, while the lower hands are in Abhaya and Varadamudra. She may also carry a mirror, a fish, a lotus, a trident and a floral wreath. Her mount is the godhika (iguana). Occasionally she is shown riding either a lion, a wolf, a pig or a goose.
Size (cms): 20(H) x 14.5(W) x 17(D)
Size (inches): 8(H) x 5.5(W) x 6.5(D)
