A Vintage South Indian Golu or Kolu: Goddess Lakshmi in Green Sari

mid twentieth century
8 1/2" x 3" x 2 1/2", 21.5 cm x 7.5 cm x 6.5 cm

This beautifully rendered and painted molded figure is what is called in South India a golu or kolu.

These figures--and there were many gods and goddesses depicted in the form of golu--were set out in traditional home displays in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh during the nine night Hindu festival called  Navratri.

This golu depicts the goddess Lakshmi who is shown draped in a parrot green sari which is girded with a wide, gold bolt. She standing upright, holding a lotus bloom in her upright proper right hand. A long, white and pink flower garland is draped over her shoulders.

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, abundance and well-being and is the consort of Lord Vishnu, one of Hinduism's three central aspects of god.

As can be easily seen on the accompanying detail photographs, this golu shows a good deal of wear, patina and surface damage which add to its charm.

A beautifully, soulful and collectible image of the goddess Lakshmi with a good deal of age.