9729
Enquiry about object: 9729
Indian Silver and Gilt Necklace showing the Eight Mother Goddesses of Hinduism
India, probably Rajasthan 19th century
circumference: approximately 70cm, width of pendant: 10.1cm, weight: 241g
Available Enquire
Provenance
UK art market
This unusual goddesses necklace comprises a heavy multi-strand silver chain and a large, rectangular silver pendant set with an embossed gilt plaque.
The pendant is topped by a neat row of tall lotus-bud finials. The gilt plaque is embossed with the eight mother goddesses of Hinduism, the Ashtamatrika. Usually they are depicted as seven goddesses in which case they are known as the Saptamatrika. They are considered to be aspects of the same supreme goddess, Shakti, or Devi.
When shown as a group usually they are not distinguished from one another. But they do have clear, separate identities, these being:
- Brahmani: The wife of Brahma, the creator god
- Vaishnavi: The wife of Vishnu, the preserver god
- Maheshwari: The wife of Shiva, the destroyer god
- Kaumari: The virgin goddess, also a form of Durga
- Indrani: The wife of Indra, the king of gods
- Varahi: The boar-faced goddess, an aspect of Vishnu
- Chamunda: The fierce and terrible goddess, a form of Kali
- Narasimhi: The lion-headed goddess, an aspect of Vishnu
The necklace is a rare example. It is in fine condition and is very wearable.
