DESCRIPTION:
Fragment bust of Hindu Diety (possibly Parvati)
Red buff sandstone
Northern India, 11th/12th c.
15"h x 10"w x 10"d (base included)
The sculptural style of this piece indicates that it is most likely
from Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh where stone carving dates
back to the 7th century BC. This figure is similar to sculptures
of celestial beings found on the famous temples at Khajuraho and
was originally placed within an architectural niche. Parvati, wife
of Shiva and mother of Ganesh, represents fertility and perfection
and is known as the goddess of motherhood and family. A gift
from Shiva, she wears traditional Rudraksha(Shiva’s Tears) beads
made from the sacred Ultrasum tree found throughout India and
commonly worn for prayer today.
