Indian Paper Weight Depicting Durga

A small silver slab with a goddess, a canopy and a crowd of attendants.

This paper weight, in silver from Rajasthan, India, is dated in the record to the early 19th century and depicts Durga. In Hindu tradition Durga is the goddess of protective power, and she is often shown seated or mounted with attendants nearby. Here she sits in the center beneath a pointed arch with pillars and a canopy, with smaller figures arranged around and below her. The relief is crisp in places and softly worn in others, with a darkened silver surface.

About four inches tall. Small enough to hold, heavy enough to matter.