Shakti
This aspect of Shakti is inspired by her characterization as the divine force or energy in the Hindu religion. She is seen as the feminine consort of the god Shiva, but in fact transcends gender, as a supreme being. While she flies across the heavens on a swan, she is spinning yarn from a distaff in her right hand. The energetic colors and the stripes in the face create an atmosphere of activity and motion.
The face is handwoven in Merrill's Zati method, with a madder-dyed handspun face, and handspun white and black rhythmic stripes. Seated on the top of the head is Shakti's swan, which carries her anywhere. She is wearing a hand-felted coat and merino trousers dyed with madder roots, and a handwoven circlet of black, white and madder handspun Maine island wool yarn.