Lion and Absent Goddess

Object Details

• Label

  This composite group does not display the characteristic metal thread technique that is typical of Bastar, nor the hatchwork of Kondh, and it seems more probable that it comes from the region of Maharashtra that adjoins Bastar. It's central figure is a large lion whose tail sweeps around in a magnificent curve and ends in a lotus flower. The lion is the mount of the Goddess who, however, was never meant to be protrayed in this image. Rather, it seems as if her presence was suggested by the parasol above the lion; in many tribal areas, the deities themselves, especially Matas, are not taken out in procession; instead a regal parasol, suggestive of her presence, is taken in procession. Flanking the lion are four armed attendants, the two in front seemingly copied from Maratha soldiers, and the two at the rear tailed monkeys. The parasol, decorated with a peacock motif in the front, itself serves as a base for a further group of figures that include a squatting yogi with a bowl before him who may perhaps represent Shiva, and four attendants who are either human supported by metal bands, or more likely, monkeys propped up by their tails.

• Provenance

  At least from early 18th century-at least 1985

  Ownership information unknown

  At least 1985-1997

  Leo S. Figiel, M.D. (1918-2013), method of acquisition unknown [1]

  From 1997

  Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of Leo S. Figiel, M.D. [2]

  Notes:

  [1] See “Gods and Goddesses of India: from the Collection of Dr. Leo S. and Jane E. Figiel, December 4, 1985 through January 12, 1986,” [exhibition catalogue] (Coral Gables, FL: Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami), cat. 93. Described as “Worship of Invisible Goddess.”

  See also letter from Leo S. Figiel, M.D., to Vidya Dehejia, dated December 7, 1997, copy in object folder. Object is described as “Lion and Absent Goddess.” Between 1992 and 1997, this object was on loan to Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and was assigned the incoming loan number LTS1992.2.3.

  Leo S. Figiel, M.D. (1918-2013) collected Islamic, Chinese, and Indian art. Notably his collection of Indian art included metal and stone sculptures, Mughal arms, and paintings. Born in Michigan, Dr. Figiel was also a scholar specializing in Indian art and published several books on the topic. In 1998, he sold his collection of Mughal arms at Butterfield and Butterfield in San Francisco, CA. Works from his collection may also be found at the Denver Art Museum; the Los Angeles Museum of Art; the University of Michigan Museum in Ann Arbor, MI; Detroit Institute of Arts; and the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL.

  [2] See Arthur M. Sackler, “Acquisition Consideration Form,” approved on December 31, 1997, copy in object file. Object is described as “Lion and Absent Goddess.”

  See also “Deed of Gift to the Arthur M. Sacker Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution,” dated January 12, 1998, copy in object file.

  Research updated July 6, 2023

• Collection

  National Museum of Asian Art Collection

• Exhibition History

  Gods and Goddesses of India: from the Collection of Dr. Leo S. and Jane E. Figiel (December 4, 1985 to January 12, 1986)

• Previous custodian or owner

  Dr. Leo S. Figiel (1918-2013)

• Origin

  Probably Maharashtra state, India

• Credit Line

  Gift of Leo S. Figiel, M.D.

• Type

  Sculpture

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1800s, 1700s

• Name

  Figiel, Leo S.

• Place

  Maharashtra state, India

• Topic

  South Asian and Himalayan Art, Cats, Art, Animals, Sculpture, Sadhu, Parasol, Metal-work

• Culture

  Himalayan peoples, South Asians

• Object Type

  Sculpture