A Vintage South Indian Golu: Vishnu in Cosmic Sleep

mid twentieth century
5 1/4" x 8" x 3 1/4", 13.25 cm x 20 cm x 8.25 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 god Vishnu who is shown here in a deep, yogic sleep as he reclines on his serpent companion, Shesha. Vishnu is one of the three major gods in the Hindu pantheon and he is considered to have ten avatars, each taking a different form, Krishna and Rama being two of the ten. 

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

An absolutely beautiful, soulful and collectible image of Lord Vishnu with a good deal of age.

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