Shard with Three Goddesses

Shard with Three Goddesses

Mauryan Art

I chose to add the “Shard with Three Goddesses” and the “Standing Female Deity” to my collection. While there isn’t really an in-depth description for the “Shard with Three Goddesses,” there is one for the “Standing Female Deity.” According to The Met Museum, the “Standing Female Deity” was a small depiction of a goddess that were “likely used for personal devotion” (Metropolitan Museum of Art). The statue appears to have flowers that surround her head, which is also similar with the “Shard with Three Goddesses.” Both statues were made with Terracotta, though the female deity one also had “black oxidation patina” (Metropolitan Museum of Art). The use of the Terracotta to produce both of these sculptures also shows the prevalence of this medium during the 3rd and 2nd Centuries B.C. In my opinion, both sculptures show how important to goddesses were to the Indian culture. The “Standing Female Deity” was mass produced for people to use in everyday worship and while we don’t know exactly what the shard (as part of a larger piece) was used for, it’s I think it’s likely that it was used to decorate homes and possible religious worship.

Indian

The Met Museum

ca. 3rd Century B.C.

Copyright. Image belongs to the Met Museum. Used here for educational purposes only.

Image

English

Terracotta

Location: India
Date: ca. 3rd Century B.C.