Hariti
Sculpture
6th century-7th century (made)
6th century-7th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This is a steatite (soapstone) figure of Hariti, a fertility goddess and the benevolent patroness of children. Together with her husband Panchika, she is also associated with the embodiment of prosperity.
Here she sits on a throne, wearing a triple diadem. Several motifs refer to her association with prosperity and fertility. She is holding what may be a cornucopia (damaged), a child spills an overturned basket at her feet, and overhead two elephants pour libations. These motifs are shared with Sri Laksmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity.
Here she sits on a throne, wearing a triple diadem. Several motifs refer to her association with prosperity and fertility. She is holding what may be a cornucopia (damaged), a child spills an overturned basket at her feet, and overhead two elephants pour libations. These motifs are shared with Sri Laksmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Hariti (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Steatite |
| Brief description | Hariti, steatite, Swat region, Pakistan, 6th-7th century |
| Physical description | This is a steatite (soapstone) figure of Hariti, a fertility goddess and the benevolent patroness of children. Together with her husband Panchika, she is also associated with the embodiment of prosperity. Here she sits on a throne, wearing a triple diadem. Several motifs refer to her association with prosperity and fertility. She is holding what may be a cornucopia (damaged), a child spills an overturned basket at her feet, and overhead two elephants pour libations. These motifs are shared with Sri Laksmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | 7. The Goddess Hariti
500–700
Hariti was an ancient fertility goddess, and for Buddhists the benevolent protector of children. Together with her husband Panchika, she was also the embodiment of prosperity. Here elephants lustrate her with holy water, while a child spills coins at her feet. The elephant and coin motifs are shared with Shri Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity.
Steatite
Gandhara/North-west Pakistan (probably Swat region)
Museum no. IM.65-1911
(06/06/2011) |
| Credit line | Purchased from Mrs Magrath |
| Object history | Purchased from Mrs Magrath, 5 Welbeck Court, Addison Bridge Place, W. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project. RP 1911-2567M |
| Production | Swat region, Pakistan |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This is a steatite (soapstone) figure of Hariti, a fertility goddess and the benevolent patroness of children. Together with her husband Panchika, she is also associated with the embodiment of prosperity. Here she sits on a throne, wearing a triple diadem. Several motifs refer to her association with prosperity and fertility. She is holding what may be a cornucopia (damaged), a child spills an overturned basket at her feet, and overhead two elephants pour libations. These motifs are shared with Sri Laksmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity. |
| Bibliographic reference | L'escultura en el temples indis : l'art de la devoció : exposició organitzada per la Fundació "La Caixa" i el Victoria & Albert Museum, Londres. [Barcelona: Obra social, Fundació "la Caixa", c2007 Number: 9788476649466
p.68, Cat.35 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IM.65-1911 |
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| Record created | April 25, 2002 |
| Record URL |
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