Figure Item Number: Ef228 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Clay figure of young, graceful woman carrying water pot modeled in the half mould. Painted white with detail of head, costume, and pot painted in medium and dark blue highlighted by touches of red.
History Of Use
Kalighat artists were formerly painters but as that source of livelihood declined in the 1930's they began to work with clay. Most of their production is associated with large temporary images and displays for annual Hindu religious festivals and pujas (Durga and Kali in autumn, Saraswati in spring). Images are made by contract and Kalighat artists compete with better known potter groups. They supplement this seasonal work by making toys and small clay dolls for market sale. This doll was purchased at the Kalighat bustee.
Cultural Context
Doll; ornament.
Iconographic Meaning
Girl carrying water pot suggests potential fertility both in concept of vessel as container and clay as associated with 'mother earth'.
Item History
- Made in Calcutta, West Bengal, India before 1976
- Collected during 1976
- Owned by Stephen Inglis before December 2, 1977
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) and Stephen Inglis (Seller) on December 2, 1977
What
Who
- Culture
- Bengali
- Previous Owner
- Stephen Inglis
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) and Stephen Inglis (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Calcutta, West Bengal, India
When
- Creation Date
- before 1976
- Collection Date
- during 1976
- Ownership Date
- before December 2, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on December 2, 1977
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0411/0027