Shrine for three Goddesses

Object Details

• Label

  This composite piece seems to represent a shrine for three deities, most likely Matas, who hold incense burners and other ritual objects in their hands. The shrine is guarded on each side by horse and warrior figures holding weapons. A curious screen-like structure seems to hang from the rod above, and it is from this that the swing platform holding the deities is suspended.

• Provenance

  At least from early 20th century-?

  Ownership information unknown

  ?-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 letter from Leo S. Figiel, M.D., to Vidya Dehejia, dated December 7, 1997, copy in object folder.

  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 “A set of a stand that supports 2 mounted horsemen, flanking two uprights that support three figures on a swing; a square screen-like piece joins the uprights and connects the figures.”

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

  Research updated June 20, 2023

• Collection

  National Museum of Asian Art Collection

• Previous custodian or owner

  Dr. Leo S. Figiel (1918-2013)

• Origin

  Chhattisgarh state, India

• Credit Line

  Gift of Dr. Leo Figiel

• Type

  Sculpture

• Restrictions and Rights

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1900s, 1970s

• Name

  Figiel, Leo S.

• Place

  Chhattisgarh state, India

• Topic

  South Asian and Himalayan Art, Shrine, Art, Animals, Horses, Birds, Metal-work

• Culture

  Himalayan peoples, South Asians

• Object Type

  Sculpture