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Sajani "Living Goddess" from Nepal
Karen Ledbetter
(see more by this artist)
The 11-year-old Sajani Shakya was revered for nine years as the Kumari of the ancient temple-town of Bhaktapur, near Kathmandu, in a centuries-old tradition.
"She is no more a Kumari," said Dipak Pandey, a senior official of the state-run Trust Corporation that oversees the cultural affairs in the deeply religious nation.
Kumaris traditionally retire when they reach the age menstruation.
Last year, Sajani made international headlines after she visited the United States to promote a film by British company about the ancient practice.
Some religious authorities criticized the trip, saying it was against tradition. They even threatened to strip her of the title, but the threat was later withdrawn.
Under the Kumari tradition a girl selected from a Buddhist Newar family through a rigorous cultural process becomes the "living goddess".
She is considered as an incarnation of the powerful deity Kali and is revered by the Hindus and Buddhists until she menstruates after which she must return to the family and a new one is chosen.
"We are trying to find a replacement for Sajani," Pandey said.
Some human rights activists have petitioned the Supreme Court to end the practice saying it denies the girl her normal life.
This 8 x 10 inch mixed-media piece by Las Olas, Florida artist, Karen Ledbetter is not framed as yet. Ususally a painter of colorful South Florida scenes, this if from the recent series "beautiful faces." Her art is in homes and fine galleries from Atlanta to South Miami.
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| original mixed media drawing |
$1,500.00 |
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