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Uma, seated

Indian

Artwork Details

Uma, seated
14th century - 15th century
Indian
bronze
2 9/16 x 1 15/16 x 1 1/8 in. (6.6 x 5.0 x 3.0 cm)
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Leo S. Figiel
1976/2.63

Description

Uma is the name most often given to Shiva’s consort in southern India. This small but lovely bronze depicts Uma in a posture of repose. The elegant way she rests her weight on her left hand and hip is quite naturalistic. Probably used for many years in a family shrine, her face is worn away from the fond caresses of the family when they performed puja—a form of worship that may include offerings of flowers and incense, the recitation of prayers, and anointing the image with clarified butter or fragrant pastes of turmeric or sandalwood.
Exhibited in "Divine Encounters, Earthly Pleasures: Twenty Centuries of Indian Art," 12/12/03-2/22/04.

Usage Rights:

If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.