Yogini with a jar c. early 10th century

sculpture

3d sculpting

negative space

stone

sculpture

sculptural image

unrealistic statue

sculpting

underpainting

sculpture

statue

moulded

This anonymous 10th-century sculpture, “Yogini with a Jar”, depicts a female figure in a seated position, holding a jar in one hand and a staff in the other. The figure is adorned with elaborate jewelry and clothing, demonstrating the artistic skill of the anonymous sculptor. The artwork, carved from stone, currently resides at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The intricate details of the sculpture, such as the yogini's facial expressions and the delicate ornamentation, highlight the craftsmanship of the artist, showcasing the beauty and richness of early Indian art.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Throughout the subcontinent and within its many indigenous faiths, the goddess, or devi, is worshiped as a manifestation of life-giving female energy. Here, a goddess known as a yogini gracefully demonstrates full control of breath and body. Her hands hold a jar, possibly containing medicine, and a wand, suggesting her curative capabilities. Her now-broken bottom left limb would have held a skull cup for drinking liquor or blood, signaling her ferocity. She is also believed to possess powers of flight, to which the faintly etched bird beneath her right foot might allude. This sculpture was once enshrined in a circular open-air temple, with at least 15 other yoginis, each believed to possess magical powers. Together they would have formed a sacred space and potential site for tantric, or esoteric, Hindu (Brahmanical) rituals in which a devotee sought union with the divine.