6th century Mother Goddess Matrika murti, India

Period: Post-Gupta period
Date: mid- 6th century
Culture: India (Rajasthan, Tanesara)
Medium: Gray schist
Dimensions: H. 24 1/2 in. (62.2 cm); W. 9 in. (22.9 cm); D. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Notes: The idol is one of a group of seven mother goddesses (Parvati). They were integral to early temple iconographic schema, as seen at sixth-century Aihole. These idols were consigned to dedicated shrines beyond city boundaries. The combined power of the seven matrikas was considered embodied in the mother goddess, Durga.

Courtesy: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York