Huntress
Dynasty : Hoyasala, Mysore
Period : Late Medieval 1100 CE
Material : Stone
Location : National Museum
Current Location : National Museum
Description :
Hoyasala dynasty was a prominent empire that ruled most of modern-day state of Karnataka from 10th to 14th century CE. Initially, the capital of the Hoyasalas was located at Belur but was later moved to Halebid. Hoyasala architecture and sculpture, especially ornate and intricate, are best seen at Halebid, Belur, and Somnathpur. In Indian sculpture, from ancient to medieval period, the theme of hunting as a female pursuit is indeed rare. In contrast with the visual arts, in the narratives and myths of the oral traditions, huntresses are described in detail, taking on divine or semi-divine form. Goddesses of forests or mothers of divinities.
Sculpture carved in deep relief showing a huntress standing on a plinth under a scrolled arch. She carries a bow on her upper left arm and holds an arrow in both the hands, which she is examining. She is slightly bent forward. Her tresses dressed in small schematic spirals over the head are tied into a chignon behind the head. She is profusely ornamented with round earrings, necklace, phalakahara, armlets with pom-poms, bangles, bracelets, heavy anklets and finger-rings. She appears to be wearing a skirt of leaves over her waist-cloth, secured by an elaborate girdle. The eyebrows are ridged. On the base in front are a horizontal band of pointed lotus petals, and also a vertical ornamental band tapering upwards.