A Small Chipped and Worn Clay Sculpture of Gajalakshmi: Goddess of Prosperity

mid twentieth century
4" x 3 1/2" x 1 3/4", 10 cm x 9 cm x 4.5 cm

This small, rustic, well-worn molded clay sculpture shows the Hindu goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi  portrayed sitting on a lotus and flanked by two elephants who rain water upon her from their trunks. In this depiction she is known as Gajalakshmi.

Even before the damage made to it from time and devotion the small sculpture was a roughly made one, probably molded in great numbers to be made widely available to whomever wanted to acquire one.

The image of Gajalakshmi is popular in India as it is meant to convey a hope for wealth, prosperity and richness--both materially and spiritually.

A lovely folk item with innate potency of purpose.