Goddess, Possibly Nana, Seated on a Lion

5th–6th century

Not on view

The Central Asian goddess Nana (Ardokhsho) seated on her lion mount is likely the source for this small icon from Buddhist Afghanistan. Nana in turn has close ties with a number of West Asian goddesses, notably the Near Eastern Anahita and the Mediterranean Tyche and Demeter. Here, the goddess is represented as benign, holding a cornucopia-like palmette. The imagery of Nana with a lion appears to have been transmitted principally via West Asian coinage.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Goddess, Possibly Nana, Seated on a Lion
Period: Hepthalite or Turkic period
Date: 5th–6th century
Culture: Afghanistan
Medium: Stucco
Dimensions: H. 9 15/16 in. (25.2 cm); W. 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm); D. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Gift of Cynthia Hazen Polsky, 1986
Object Number: 1986.506.12
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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