An Old South Indian Golu Doll: Lord Krishna

early to mid twentieth century
12" x 6" x 3 1/2", 30.5 cm x 16 cm x 9 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 Lord Krishna, who is an avatar of Vishnu and one of the most popular and beloved Indian gods. Here he is depicted as Gopala, the cowherd, an endearing term for a beloved Hindu god.

He is shown here in his traditional stance: in a beautifully graceful standing pose, playing on his flute, sheltered by a gracefully molded tree and accompanied by one of his charges, a loyal and gentle cow.

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. The top of the tree is missing as can be seen.

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

Recommended.