Item ST 40768 Indian Figure - Priestess of Kali Begging Grain for the Priesthood, Pune, Clay, circa 1867

Summary

Alternative Names: Poonah Figure, Poona Figure

This clay figure of a Priestess of Kali begging grain for the Priesthood was made in Pune in India in the latter half of the nineteenth century. It was exhibited as part of a group of figures representing various castes, occupations and religious sects. Such figures were exhibited at International Exhibitions and often won awards. This figure was accessioned by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in 1867 as a purchase from Stubb and Co.

Physical Description

Figure of a woman on a wooden base. The base is painted brown turned wood. The figure is plaster/composition modeled over wooden dowels, it is painted with a dark brown skin tone and dressed in fabric. Her garments consist of a dark blue blouse and a blue checked sari. She has a brown cotton bundle slung across her right shoulder onto her front and she has real hair on her head. She is holding a small black dish in her right hand and has red markings on her face.