Bommai figures are small clay doll-like figures, traditionally made in Southern India. They are mass produced in moulds and then painted by hand. 

In Southern India, in states like Tamil Nadu, they are particularly important during Navratri - the nine-day festival dedicated to goddess Durga. During Navratri figures of gods and goddesses are set up on an odd number of steps. This Kolu display becomes a focus of worship, where the family offers prayers to the gods, with a focus on Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. 

Krishna

Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu and is one of the most popular deities. He is the god of love, compassion and kindness.

 

 

South Indian, mid-20th century

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Infant Krishna

As a child, Krishna was mischievous. In this clay figure, he is an infant holding a pot of butter that he has stolen from his mother.

 

 

South Indian, 20th century

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matsya, the fish avatar of Vishnu

Matsya is the fish avatar of Vishnu, who saved the world from a great flood. Matsya is sometimes shown as a whole fish, or shown as Vishnu with a fish tail.

 

 

South Indian, 20th century

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shiva and Parvati

Shiva is the destroyer of the universe, but his destruction is believed to bring benefit to the world by removing obstacles and imperfection.  Full of contradictions, his wife, Parvati, brings balance.

 

 

South Indian, 20th century

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ganesha

Ganesha is one of the most popular Hindu deities. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. He is seen as the remover of obstacles and the god of new beginnings.

 

 

South Indian, 20th century

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rama

Rama was a prince of Ayodhya and an incarnation of the god Vishnu. His story is told in the one the main sacred texts of India: the Ramayana.

 

 

South Indian, 20th century

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hanuman

Hanuman is one of the central figures of the Ramayana and is widely worshipped.  He is known for his energy, love and devotion.

 

 

South Indian, 20th century

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Virgin Mary and Child 

Like the lithographic prints, bommai clay figures were also made for India’s Christian communities, many of whom live and worship in South India.

 

 

South Indian, 20th century

Laughing Buddha

Bommai figures can include popular every-day or historic figures. This well-worn figure is a representation of a monk who lived in China, around the 10th century.  He was famous for his joyful disposition, and believed to bring wealth and good fortune to a household.

 

 

South Indian, 20th century