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Cultural Context

toy

Description

A small human figure in white modelled clay. Simple form suggests female torso with stubbed arms and black hair knotted at the top of the head and flowing down the sides. The eyes are black dots surrounded by a black oval line with one horizontal black line above. There is a vertical red line and red dot along the middle of the forehead. The mouth is a small pink line. Wearing a yellow top accentuated with red dots and outlined with dark blue. Back is unfinished.

History Of Use

Bengali potters of the (Kumara) Kumbhakara caste are heirs to a long tradition in village and urban areas. Production of clay pots and vessels for everyday use is their regular occupation. However, images for votive offerings are also important and are variously represented as fertility figures, protective symbols (horses, elephants), or gods. The animal and human figures sold as toys have a close affinity in shape and character to the votive images. In fact, the same image often fulfills both purposes. Toy making is a vigorous industry among Bengali potters and helps supplement their incomes.