Indian and Himalayan Art
Attendant GoddessMade in Nepal, Asia
Malla Dynasty (1200-1769), c. Late 15th to 16th century
Artist/maker unknown, Nepalese
Mercury-gilded copper alloy with turquoise and garnet? spinel? red glass?
Currently not on view
1962-178-1Gift of Natacha Rambova, 1962
LabelThis statue wears floral disk earrings, a V-shaped necklace, ornate armlets, plain bracelets, a knotted and beaded waistband, and a foliate-trimmed skirt-all elements of Malla period high fashion. Because this statue lacks additional identifying markers, and because Nepalese workshops produced similarly styled works for both Hindu and Buddhist patrons, it cannot be determined if this is a Hindu or Buddhist goddess. Judging from her angled seated posture, she was most likely created as an attendant to a male figure. The pierced flaps at her shoulders indicate another metal piece, possibly a halo, was originally attached.