Description
This female figure, from the eastern Indian region of West Bengal, is almost certainly Radha, lover of the god Krishna. As a human woman who devotes herself completely and passionately to her god, Radha exemplifies an ideal for Krishna devotees to emulate. By the strength of her devotion, she is transformed from a beloved human "gopi" (cowherd) into a divine goddess.
Radha is worshiped through sculptures like this one. Within a shrine, the sculpture would be dressed and adorned with jewelry, and a flower might be placed in her left hand. The repeated application of ritual liquids, such as river water or oil, and centuries of devotional touching have smoothed Radha’s facial features.
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