feminine power

India Kalighat painting 19th century Two Aspects of Kali Kali Dancing on Shiva 1980.216.a Cleveland Museum of Art

This week: Feminine power

Few figures in our culture have been so vilified as Lilith, the first wife of Adam – who, according to Jewish tradition, insolently refused to submit to her husband's desires, preferring to leave the perfection of the Garden of Eden, and become the consort of Satan instead.

Opposite ‘Queen of the Night’ relief representing Inanna. Painted clay; Iraq, c.1750 BC. Size: 49.5 x 37 x 4.8cm

Feminine Power: She who must be obeyed

An exhibition on Feminine Power currently at the British Museum journeys through the beautiful, but dangerous, realm ruled over by great goddesses. There, Lindsay Fulcher discovers, men are often afraid to tread.