The upper section of a finely moulded brass figure of Meenakshi, the avatar of goddess Pavarti, South India, circa 1700, with parakeet to one shoulder, her hair parted to centre and braided and decorated, her back, chest and arms engraved with...

The upper section of a finely moulded brass figure of Meenakshi, the avatar of goddess Pavarti, South India, circa 1700, with parakeet to one shoulder, her hair parted to centre and braided and decorated, her back, chest and arms engraved with floral designs, wearing elaborate jewellery, 8.4cm. high approx. Provenance: Private collection of Werner Forman (1921-2010) Meenakshi is an avatar of the Goddess Parvati and the divine consort of Sundareswarar, a form of Shiva. In literature she is the princess or queen of the ancient Pandya kingdom who elevates to godhood. She is mostly worshipped in South India and a major temple is devoted to her in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.