A Carved Bone Hindu Figure of Bodhisattva Kali with Shiva in Infant Form, India

Possibly 17th Century or Earlier
In accordance with Buddhist lore, after a fierce battle Kali was still in a wild rage after slaying several demons, when Shiva – Kalis husband, transforms himself into a helpless infant in an attempt to calm Kali, which upon hearing the child’s cries Kali - depicted here as Kali Ma, (Mother of Compassion) quietens and takes to nursing the child. Dimensions, 2” high x 4” long.
(It is most interesting to note that in this particular carving of Kali she is shown having six fingers on her right hand.)
In several cultures and religions - including Catholicism, early depictions of a person or a being having six fingers is interpreted as one who is divine or beatified. One such example, as it relates to the Catholic Church, is the 15th century liturgical work titled ‘The Mary with Six Fingers’ located at the Benedictine Abbey of Maria-Laach in Austria.

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