Rondel with the Goddess Hariti

This silver rondel is one of the earliest known depictions of the goddess Hariti. An artist, possibly in the Gandharan city of Taxila, made it from silver with gold foil. The rondel’s owner would likely have used it as a personal adornment, perhaps as part of a piece of jewelry or on a turban. In the image, Hariti sits on a chair cradling her infants. She is beautifully adorned in elaborate jewelry, with an ornate hair style. She is flanked by sacred swans, called hamsa, as well as lotus flowers.