This larger-than-life figure of a nature goddess (yakshi) was likely originally erected in an outdoor shrine and circumambulated by devotees. They are particularly associated with sacred trees, particularly the Ashoka tree (Saraca asoca), and also serve as tutelary deities associated with Kubera, the god of wealth.
The goddess stands erect with her clenched left hand on her hip. Her now-missing right hand was probably held in the gesture of reassurance (abhaya mudra). She is full breasted and wears a lower garment secured by an ornate hip belt (katibandha). She stands up against an Ashoka tree (visible on the rear), which reinforces her close connection to nature.
See also M.78.9.16. Comparable, albeit considerably smaller, Mathura yakshis are in the Cleveland Museum of Art (1968.104) and the Walters Art Museum, Baltimore (25.247).
