Yakshi

About this Brooklyn Icon

The Brooklyn Museum is commemorating its 200th anniversary by spotlighting 200 standout objects in its encyclopedic collection.

Hindu and Jain temples in India enshrine images of gods and enlightened beings, but many also include sculptures of unnamed figures who are not a focus for worship—most commonly, beautiful women. Female figures are believed to act like amulets, protecting the temple and bringing positive energy to its proceedings. The temple is sometimes conceived as a palace for the gods, and certain female figures, like this lively dancer, can be understood as part of the palace staff.

Most areas of India did not use marble for sculpture or architecture. But in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, a small group of white marble temples was created between the 11th and 15th centuries, using stone from a nearby quarry. These temples were covered with intricate carving, especially on their interiors.

We do not know the original context for this figure, but her downward gaze suggests that she appeared high up in a building; the curved panel behind her would fit well against the inside of a dome. She was likely part of a group of entertainers, each in a different pose, arranged around the base of a vaulted ceiling.