This sculpture of ‘Mother and Child’ is made of soil from the river bed in Bishnupur in West Bengal. Bishnupur is 150 kms from Kolkatta located in the district of Bankura. The simplified form of the sculpture is adorned with patterns created by carving into terrcota. The terracotta sculptures are made by refining the clay and then dried. The dried clay is cast and molded and then placed in a kiln to harden. The region has some of the finest craft traditions. Bishnupur is also known for its terracota temples as well as the exquisite Baluchari saris made of Tassur silk. Since stone was not available in the region, the kings in the 16th century built temples out of terracotta.