Saraswati

This is a rare wooden Saraswati with the unusual application of silver leaf and vegetable colours, from Andhra Pradesh. Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom, and learning. She is typically shown, as here, holding in her hands a pustaka (book or script), a mala (rosary, garland) and a musical instrument (veena). In her left hand she also holds a lotus bud. Her vahana (vehicle), a peacock, is shown nestled behind her legs. She is adorned with several necklaces, earrings, waist belts, and a large crown.