A Vintage South Indian Golu Doll: Goddess Meenakshi

mid twentieth century
6" x 1 3/4" x 1 1/2", 15.25 cm x 4.5 cm x 4 cm

This small-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 goddess Meenakshi, an avatar of the Hindu goddess Parvati, the consort of the great god Shiva. Meenakshi is worshipped widely and intensely primarily in South India and the temple devoted to her in Madurai, Tamil Nadu is mindblowingly elaborate and expansive. The name Meenakshi means "fish-shaped eyes," a description of beautifully-formed, elongated or almond-shaped eyes.

Meenakshi is adorned in a rich green colored sari, she is festooned with a flower garland, and a parrot perches on her proper right shoulder.

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

A beautifully collectible image of the venerable goddess of South India, Meenakshi, showing a good deal of age.

Recommended.