Black Stone Carving of the Goddess Shakti

India, Chola Dynasty
Dimensions: 54 cm high

A black stone statue of the goddess Shakti from the Chola dynasty period.
The goddess is seated in lalitasana (royal pose), with her right leg hanging down and resting on a lotus flower, while her left leg is drawn toward her body. She wears a tall, ornate crown and is adorned with numerous pieces of jewelry. In her upper left and right hands, she holds a padma (lotus flower), while her inner hands form the abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness). She wears a richly patterned skirt.