A Vintage South Indian Golu or Kolu: Kartikkeya

mid twentieth century
11" x 4" x 3 1/2", 28 cm x 10 cm x 9 cm

This charmingly 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 god Kartikkeya, also referred to as Murugan, Skanda or Subramahnya in South India. Kartiekkeya is the son of Shiva and in some legends his mother is the star constellation, the Pleiades. His brother is the always popular elephant god, Ganesha. 

Kartikkeya is the god of war and the slayer of evil. He is often portrayed as a young man and shown with his mount, a peacock.

Here we see Murugan standing naked except for a heavy gold girdle slung around his waist and thick, elaborately wrought gold chains hanging around his neck. Similarly elaborate jewelry adorn his wrists and ankles which a flower garland is draped around his neck.

As can be easily seen on the accompanying detail photographs, this golu shows a good deal of wear, patina and surface damage; a crown-like part on Kartikkeya's head is broken off.

This is a beautifully soulful and good-sized rendering of the popular god Kartikkeya with good age and a great personality.

Beautiful.