Indian Pilgrimage Figure of Lakshmi

Elbows out, hands meeting at the waist, and a skirt that flares like folded wings.

This pilgrimage figure of Lakshmi comes from Maharashtra, India, and dates to the 12th to 16th century or earlier. It is brass. Images of Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity, were among the most widely kept in Indian household shrines, and small portable versions were commonly bought by pilgrims. She stands on a stepped base, arms bent to frame two round openings at the sides. A tiered crown tops the head, a pointed collar circles the neck, and panels of drapery fan out at either hip. The golden surface has worn soft. It is 1.25 inches wide, 0.75 deep and 2.75 high.

Prosperity, standing firm on very little ground.