Description

Tribal indian art

The tribes, practicing the Dokra art, originate from the Bastar district, in South India (today located in the state of Chattisgarh), they emigrated several centuries before and settled almost everywhere in India from North to South.

Most have kept their tradition (culinary art, dress, parties ...) and their animist religion.



Posture Standing (Samabhanga) in an attitude of balance, the weight ideally distributed on the 2 legs.

Gestures Three arms are raised, holding in each hand a lotus. The lotus symbolizes the maternal breast (origin of life), wisdom: the knowledge that leads to awakening, purity (and therefore the transformation that allows the expression of beauty in a marshy environment), peace. Right hand makes the gesture of protection.

Pedestal The gods never touch the ground: the earth is the domain of beings of flesh and blood.

Usually Lakshmi is depicted on a lotus, but on this statue a snake surrounds her feet.

Headgear Crown in tiara shape (Kiritamukuta, symbol of royalty. A snake adorns Lakshmi's forehead like a tiara.

Clothing Belt represented by a snake and simple strapless bands.

Attributes and weapons The snake (naga): here Lakshmi, in addition to the lotus which is her essential emblem, is carved with many snakes.

The snake is very important in India and beneficial: it is the symbol of fertility, of life (Shakti), of permanent renewal (moult) therefore of immortality.