This double-sided banner shows two matrika, mother goddesses that represent the female counterparts of the great Hindu gods and the embodiments of those gods’ energies (shakti). The white matrika is Varuni, the goddess of the water, symbolized by the multiple snakes that form a hood above her head, the mythical water monster (makara) she dances on, and the lotus and serpent she holds in her hands. The red matrika Varahi on the reverse is the female aspect of the Hindu boar god Varaha, who is an avatar of the great god Vishnu.The body of each god is emphasized through the use of a contrasting background color. They are both represented under a canopy with tassels hanging from the sides. Their patterned skirt-like garments (dhoti), flowing ribbons, and five-petaled crowns are all characteristic of Nepalese painting. Banners such as this were used in religious processions and were a part of larger sets.

Artwork Details

Title
Two-sided Festival Banner of Varunani and Varahi
Dimensions
36 1/4 × 29 7/8 × 1 1/2 in.
Medium
Pigments on cloth
Origin
Nepal
Classification(s)
paintings scroll painting
Date
17th or 18th century
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
Object number
C2007.19.1
HAR Number
69050-1
Published references
* Van Alphen, J. Collection Highlights: Rubin Museum of Art. (New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2014). Pp. 24-25.* Vajracarya, Gautamavajra. Nepalese Seasons: Rain and Ritual. New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2016. Cat 9 and 10: pp. 26-28, 51-52, fn. 198-199.* Vajracarya, Gautama V. "Does Art Imitate Life or Life Imitate Art?: Nepal Has a Unique Answer." Orientations 48, no. 2 (March/April 2017). pp. 118-127. Fig. 14.* Sotheby's New York, Indian and Southeast Asian Art, Sale 6632, November 30, 1994, no. 263

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