Dewi Sri Portrait

Description

Open Edition Reproduction

The deity of rice, harvests and fertility, Dewi Sri makes an appearance in her natural environment among the rice paddies and volcanic landscapes of Indonesia where she continues to be widely revered. Indeed, many shrines, traditions and ceremonies associated with harvests and planting are attributed to the cult of Dewi Sri, particularly in Bali and among the Sudanese people of West Java. She represents the wealth and prosperity associated with the rice surpluses of the original Javanese Kingdoms as well as individual health and wellbeing.

Born from the tears of the serpent god Antaboga, Dew Sri grew up into an exceptionally beautiful goddess which inevitably caused animosity among the other divine residents of heaven who decided that the only way to end the bitter tensions that had arisen between them was to have her killed. The unfortunate Dewi Sri was poisoned and buried on earth, but from her remains came the first rice and many of the flora recognisable within Indonesia today.

She is portrayed here in full gilded regalia serenely gazing across her earthly dominion; the personification of radiant health, beauty and prosperity. Her appearance is based predominantly on the Balinese style although there are elements of Javanese ornament in her attire and jewellery.