Dewi Sri - Goddes of rice and fertility
| Title | Dewi Sri - Goddes of rice and fertility |
|---|---|
| Artist | |
| Date | 1960-1970 |
| Size | 54 cm |
| Material | Acasia wood |
| Remarks | Mas, Bali, Indonesia |
| Signature | |
| Published | |
| Collection | Private collection |
Dewi Sri, the Rice Mother[edit | edit source]
Rice is a very important food worldwide, serving as a staple food for many people. It is therefore not surprising that this simple grain is often personified as a goddess. Throughout the Indonesian archipelago, but especially in Java and Bali, it is traditionally the goddess Dewi Sri, who is also called the Rice Mother. In fact, the worship of this fertility goddess predates the arrival/influence of Hinduism and Buddhism in Indonesia. Harvest time is the domain of Dewi Sri. She is the goddess of the fertile earth and the mother of all Javanese. She brings the monsoon and ensures that her subjects have enough to eat. In Bali, the rice farmers pray to Dewi Sri for an abundant harvest. In return, she protects their crops. The Balinese call her Dewi Cili, which means 'fertile Mother Earth'.
Dewi Sri, a goddess with many faces
Dewi Sri's husband is Wisnu, the god of food. Her sacred symbol is the Anta Kusuma; this is a gemstone in the shape of a flower. In the Javanese wayang game (puppet play), which usually depicts mythological events from Javanese history, Dewi Sri is reborn several times, first as Sinta (her husband Wisnu is then called Rama). She is then reborn as Rukmini (her husband's name is Kresna). Finally she incarnates as Subadra (her husband then changes from Kresna to Prince Arjuna). Despite all incarnations, changes in shape or name, Dewi Sri always remains faithful to her husband.
Symbolism of Dewi Sri
- Rice is the main source of food for a large part of the world's population. It is therefore no surprise that rice was associated with a deity.
- The Anta Kusuma is a magical gemstone from Javanese and Balinese legends and is connected to Dewi Sri. The flower-shaped jewel can be used as an amulet for longevity, health, prosperity, love and happiness.
- The Javanese glorify Dewi Sri as the mother of their people. She counsels them through their dreams.
- Balinese women make little 'mascots' of Dewi Cili during the rice harvest. The rice stalks are tied together in the middle to form a female figure, which is then presented to the Rice Mother as an offering.
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