E1249: India- Clay Figurine, "Aya" (Nurse or Midwife)

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E1249

Classification Category:

8:Communication Artifacts ➞ Art/Folk Art

Marks/Labels:

None

Materials:

binding agents ➔ joiners ➔ metal wire ➔ armature
binding agents ➔ joiners ➔ nail round
clay ➔ ceramic
colorant ➔ paint
colorant ➔ dye
fabric ➔ cloth

Dimensions:

6.4 cm L
6.2 cm W
24.8 cm H

Provenance of Object:

Was made in the West Bengal region of India and represents the caste system that was present and common at the time. Was most likely made by simple artisans and sold by street vendors who were catering to the English and American visitors. Was bought by those people, this group being bought by George Winthrop.

Ethnic Group:

Asian ➞ India ➞ West Bengal ➞ Krishnanagar

Production Date:

1874-1885

Use/Function:

Was most likely used as tourist souvenirs and were probably sold to visiting Americans or British workers. Other than that, they could be used as a simple household decoration.

Source Locality:

West Bengal, Calcutta, India

Acquisition Date:

1874 – 1885

Description:

An older woman dressed in an ankle-length dress and two shawls. Barefoot. Probably depicting an aya (or nurse) or a midwife.

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