 
Neel Amma is the Hindu Goddess of the indigo plant; Her name means 'Blue Mother'. She is particularly honored in the indigo-growing regions of southern India, where She is given offerings before the indigo vats are started. I have shown Her here in shades of indigo blue, of course, holding sheaves of indigo plants; in Her hair She wears the pink blossoms of the indigo plant, and on Her skin designs in indigo, inspired actually by the Celts (!), who famously painted their skin with blue designs in woad (a plant that produces the same chemical as indigo, though in smaller quantities). I have patterned them after the designs traditionally done in henna. Also called Neel Atha, which also means 'Blue Mother'. Done as a commission. |