Mata Devi
Sculpture
ca. 1950s (made)
ca. 1950s (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
A standing figure of the goddess, her head surrounded by an arched aureole which is attached to points at the top of each shoulder. The aureole carries a cable ornament (beri) fringed on its outer edge by triangular plates. The chest is triangular in form, broad shoulders tapering to a small waist; the front ornamented by a raised triangular decoration. This decoration terminates at each shoulder in a coil. The goddess displays two small, widely spaced bullet-shaped breasts. Both arms are bent the elbows being decorated with three simulated bracelets each. In her right hand she carries a round sacrificial dish, in the left a short stick-like object, possibly a lotus. From her waistband there hangs a loop of (sut) decoration on the outside of each thigh. She stands on a circular brass plinth, open on the underside and displaying the charred filling.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Mata Devi (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Cast brass |
| Brief description | A copper sculpture of Mata Devi, by folk artists from Bastar, Madhya Pradesh, Central India, ca. 20th century. |
| Physical description | A standing figure of the goddess, her head surrounded by an arched aureole which is attached to points at the top of each shoulder. The aureole carries a cable ornament (beri) fringed on its outer edge by triangular plates. The chest is triangular in form, broad shoulders tapering to a small waist; the front ornamented by a raised triangular decoration. This decoration terminates at each shoulder in a coil. The goddess displays two small, widely spaced bullet-shaped breasts. Both arms are bent the elbows being decorated with three simulated bracelets each. In her right hand she carries a round sacrificial dish, in the left a short stick-like object, possibly a lotus. From her waistband there hangs a loop of (sut) decoration on the outside of each thigh. She stands on a circular brass plinth, open on the underside and displaying the charred filling. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by R. W. Skelton |
| Object history | Made by artisans known in Bastar as Gharuas ( Ghadwas). Their name derives from the Gharas or water pots made by them. Such images are bought by Maria and Muria tribes of the district. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Bibliographic reference | R.Reeves.: Cire Perdue Castings in India 1962. Plates 56, 57 Illistrations of Mata Devi Figures. pp.75-100 Casting techniques, tools used, list of deities/objects made.
M. Mukherjee: Metalcraftsmen of India, 1978.pp.54-55 on the Gharuas, their status in society and tribal clients.
pp.252, 253 Similar images illustrated. pp.233-240 Casting techniques.
Arts Council. The Living Arts of India, 1982 pp. 26-3, Jaidev Baghel a Ghadwas. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IS.132-1984 |
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| Record created | July 4, 2002 |
| Record URL |
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