Title
An ornament depicting Nagini
Year/Period
18th century
Region
Probably Tibet
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 4.5 x 15.5 x 13 cm
Accession No.
2014-00569
Collection of
The gilt bronze ornament depicts a nagini, a female serpent deity, swirling out from the scrolling waves of water. The nagini is heavily ornamented with earrings, wristbands, a necklace and a garland of pearls. She wears a headdress of three snake hoods that is partially lost. This figure could possibly be an ornament from the halo or backrest of a throne supporting a Buddha or Bodhisattva figure. Myths and imagery of naga or nagini (female form) are very dominant in Hindu or Buddhist art across Asia. Nagas are considered as nature spirits and protectors of treasures. They are linked to the water element and it is believed that they could bring rain. As such, nagas are also perceived as fertility deities.
