A Vintage South Indian Golu or Kolu: Goddess Meenakshi

mid twentieth century
8" x 2 3/4" x 2", 20.25 cm x 7 cm x 5 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 goddess Meenakshi, an avatar of the goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva. Meenakshi is venerated in South India where a magnificent temple complex dedicated to her dominates the town of Madurai, which, due to this temple and Meenakshi's significance, is a place of pilgrimage and a mass visitation by the faithful.

Here we see Meenakshi enrobed in a rich vermilion/coral colored sari which is accessorized with heavy gold jewelry befitting of royalty. A bright green parrot is perched on her proper left shoulder.

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

This is an approachable and collectible image of the great god Shiva as a golu with a good deal of age.