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Collection
Victoria and Albert Museum
Figure

Figure, circa 2nd century BCE

Figure

circa 2nd century BCE · Figure · 8.8 × 4.8 cm

May one see it?

Not receiving at present

Victoria and Albert Museum

London, United Kingdom

It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.

Checked: 7 days ago
In this state since: Sep 25, 2026
Source: The museum's own collection data

On the map Museum page

About the sculpture

This doll-like clay figurine with hand-modelled features is a mother goddess. Although large numbers of these figures have been found, their purpose remains obscure. We do not know what their ritual function is, but we assume they served in some way as an aid to fertility.

This piece has a tiny head, stick-like arms and impressed breasts. The most striking feature is the large triangular shape, which probably indicates female genitalia, with incised decoration that possibly represents pubic hair.

This particular piece was recovered by Colonel D.H. Gordon from a site at Charsadda Shaikhan Dheri, Gandhara, Pakistan. The V&A purchased it from him in 1951.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Particulars

Accession number: IS.20A-1951

In the catalog

Sources

Victoria and Albert Museum: the museum's own open data · fetched 7 days ago
Image: Victoria and Albert Museum — © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Neighbors at Victoria and Albert Museum

Statuette, Johann Joachim Kändler, late 18th century

design by Johann Joachim Kaendler, manufactured by Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen GmbH

Statuette, late 18th century

Figurine, 700-800

Figurine, 700-800

Buddha Sakyamuni, 9th century-10th century

Buddha Sakyamuni, 9th century-10th century

Jina Parsvanatha, Chakravarti Paloja, late 12th century - early 14th century

Chakravarti Paloja

Jina Parsvanatha, late 12th century - early 14th century

Figurine, 1127-1279, or later

Figurine, 1127-1279, or later

Seated Buddha, early 3rd century

Seated Buddha, early 3rd century

Figure, 618-907

Figure, 618-907

Ghiberti: design for a mosaic in the Museum (the 'Kensington Valhalla'), Edward Henry Wehnert, mid 1860s

Edward Henry Wehnert

Ghiberti: design for a mosaic in the Museum (the 'Kensington Valhalla'), mid 1860s

Figure · ART WIKI