Yogini with a jar, Chola period (850-1287), early 10th century, India (Tamil Nadu). Igneous rock, 114.3 x 72.39 x 39.37 cm. The Christina N. and Swan J. Turnblad Memorial Fund, 60.21 © Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Throughout the subcontinent and within its many indigenous faiths, the goddess, or devi, is worshiped as a manifestation of life-giving female energy. Here, a goddess known as a yogini gracefully demonstrates full control of breath and body. Her hands hold a jar, possibly containing medicine, and a wand, suggesting her curative capabilities. Her now-broken bottom left limb would have held a skull cup for drinking liquor or blood, signaling her ferocity. She is also believed to possess powers of flight, to which the faintly etched bird beneath her right foot might allude.

This sculpture was once enshrined in a circular open-air temple, with at least 15 other yoginis, each believed to possess magical powers. Together they would have formed a sacred space and potential site for tantric, or esoteric, Hindu (Brahmanical) rituals in which a devotee sought union with the divine.