At first glance what might seem like an ancient war scene in this wooden statue, is an episode from the Ramayana, commemorating a glorious yet lesser-known warrior, the son of Ravana- Meghnada, also known as "Indrajit" or "he who was victorious over Indra, the king of Gods".
The scene particularly presents the descriptions from the Yuddha Kaanda of the Ramayana, where Indrajit looks back at its valor in the battleground against Indra. He mentions that the mighty elephant of Indra, Airavata was tamed by him when he threw the celestial elephant in the air and plucked one of his tusks, creating a region of terror amongst the residents of heaven.
The wooden artwork depicts a dynamic war scene, brimming with the vigor of the battlefield. Surrounded by Yakshas and Rakshasa who hover above the central image, Indrajit rides the Airvata, after having plucked its tusk. A soldier on the ground, wrapped in the trunk of Airavata, and Kirtimukha aureole (a symbol of royalty and sovereignty) become the symbols of Indrajit's supreme prowess. The act of taking a rival's mount or vaahana in ancient Indian traditions is seen as a universal declaration of victory over them, and following this ritual of war, this antique woodwork brings to life, one of the most powerful, but forgotten warriors of Valmiki's Ramayana.
How to care for Wood Statues?
Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.
It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster.
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