Indian Female Tantric Doll

One fist up, one lotus out, and an expression of great patience.

This female tantric doll comes from Maharashtra, India, and dates to the 20th century. It is painted wood. Carved and painted figures were made in parts of India for devotional and ceremonial display, and tantric imagery generally draws on the power of the feminine divine. She stands upright with both arms raised at the elbow, the left hand clenched and the right holding a metal lotus. Corded bangles circle her wrists. Dark and gilt paint wears through over a carved bodice, a gray skirt and long legs. It is 42 inches high and 24 wide.

She has struck the pose and intends to hold it.