In Indian art, serpent deities are represented as both male (naga) and female (nagini) figures with snake hoods. Serpents are thought to have the power to cause rain, bringing forth growth and abundance. Because they shed their skins, they are also considered symbols of regeneration. Although the snake heads that once rose up like a canopy behind this figure are no longer intact, the intertwined coils of the snake are visible from the back. Notable stylistic features of this sculpture include a commanding frontal posture, elaborate jewelry, including earrings, necklaces and garlands, full breasts, a thin waist with horizontal striations, and a nearly diaphanous skirt held in place by a wide sash worn low upon the hips.
Details
- Title: Serpent Goddess (Nagini)
- Date: 1st century B.C.E
- Medium: Sandstone
- Dimensions: 57 in. (144.8 cm)
- Credit Line: Norton Simon Museum, Gift of The Rubin-Ladd Foundation, from the Ester R. Portnow Collection of Asian Art, in honor of Dr. Pratapaditya Pal
- Accession Number: P.2004.02
- Copyright: © Norton Simon Museum
Object Information
Exceptionally Gifted: Recent Donations to the Norton Simon Museum (2002-2008)
- Norton Simon Museum, 2009-04-17 to 2009-08-31
Durga: Avenging Goddess, Nurturing Mother
- Norton Simon Museum, 2005-10-07 to 2006-03-27
- Pal, Pratapaditya, Durga: Avenging Goddess, Nurturing Mother, 2005, fig. 12 pp. 20-21
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