A Vintage South Indian Golu Doll: Sri Lakshmi

mid twentieth century
10 1/2" x 6 1/4" x 4 1/4", 26.5 cm x 16 cm x 10.75 cm

This good-sized, 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 seated cross-legged upon a lotus which floats above white-capped water. A tall, golden crown graces her head and she holds lotuses in two of her four hands. Her right and left hands are posed in mudras, sacred hand positions that convey the force of good spirit, each mudra projecting a protective or healing power.

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.

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