Salabhanjika (Tree Goddess) at the Guimet Museum, Paris

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Human: Salabhanjika or Shalabhanjika refers to a sculpture of a woman displaying stylized feminine features, standing near a tree and grasping its branch. The figures are named after the Sanskrit term śālabhañjikā meaning 'breaking a branch of a sala tree.' They are also known as madanakai or madanikas. The salabhanjika is an essential decorative element in Indian sculpture, a beautiful stone sculpture depicting a young female under a stylized tree in various poses, such as dancing, grooming herself, or playing a musical instrument. The salabhanjika's female features are often exaggerated, showcasing breasts and hips. Frequently these sculpted figures display complex hairstyles and an abundance of jewelry. The concept of shalabhanjika stems from ancient symbolism linking a chaste maiden with the sala tree through the ritual called dohada, or the fertilization of plants through contact with a young woman. Over time, the symbolism changed, and the shalabhanjika became figures used as ornamental carvings, often placed near the garbhagriha of many Hindu temples. Placed at an angle, salabhanjikas were also used in temple architecture as bracket figures like caryatids. These figures are frequently mentioned in ancient and modern Indian literature. This object is part of "Scan The World." Scan the World is a non-profit initiative by MyMiniFactory that creates a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe for public access free. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.