Between the seventh and twelfth centuries, the term “yogini” referred to both fierce flying goddesses and the mortal women who ritually became those deities. This voluptuous yogini is a four-armed goddess. Sitting on an owl and brandishing a sword, she inserts two fingers into the corners of her open mouth, bares her individually carved teeth, and emits a piercing whistle. She may have been one of the yoginis whose name roughly translates as “she who makes a loud noise.”

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Yogini
India, Uttar Pradesh, Kannauj
First half of the 11th century
Sandstone
San Antonio Museum of Art, purchased with the John and Karen McFarlin Fund and Asian Art Challenge Fund 90.92

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