A Vintage South Indian Golu or Kolu: Krishna as a Boy

mid twentieth century
4 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 2", 11.5 cm x 11.5 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 what appears to be an adolescent Lord Krishna, who is an avatar of Vishnu and one of the most popular and beloved Indian gods.

He is shown here in his traditional stance: in a beautifully graceful standing pose, playing on his flute.

Whatever Krishna does is entrancing and bewitching in the most seductive and delightful of ways. His flute playing is so alluring that female cow herders, feeling intoxicated by hearing it, drop what they are doing in order to be near him. This is Krishna's intention.

Krishna is adored in India for many qualities, not least among them being his fun-loving and teasing nature, but also for the powerful love and devotion he inspires in those who are drawn to him.

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

This is a collectible image of this beloved god and it also is a golu with a good deal of age and charm.

Recommended.