A stunning example of South Indian temple iconography and woodcraft, with a multitude of colors and carvings to reveal the magnificence of Durga Amman or the Hindu mother goddess Durga, this large wooden panel carries with it the divine ambiance felt in the icons of the ancient South Indian shrines. Such impressive images of Devi Durga are sculpted on the walls and architectural elements that surround the inner sanctum, marking each corner of the temple with the presence of Shakti (the primordial feminine aspect).
Appearing in front of her devotees, Durga-Mahishasuramardini (the slayer of the buffalo demon) takes a benevolent form, standing serenely on the severed head of Mahishasura, multiple-armed and accompanied by her vicious mount the Simha (lion). Exquisite and powerful, this standing goddess Durga wood statue is the visualization of Durga Amman as the supreme protectress and mother, who annihilates evil and protects the Srishti (creation).
The lustrous earthy tone of wood in this goddess Durga statue provides the composition with a natural golden shade in the embellishment and luminous skin color to Devi Durga. A sharply arched aureole formed with a plentitude of lotus petals is placed behind the standing goddess Durga statue, which depicts the mother goddess in a potent Ashtabhuja (eight-armed) form adorned with exquisite ornaments.
An ornate Karandamukuta (crown shaped like an inverted basket) frames the beautiful countenance of Mahishasurmardini, whose thick arched eyebrows, large almond eyes, fine nose with Vesara (nose ring) and soft lips lend a charming liveliness to the wooden statue. Devi Durga, who is the primeval female has the ideal of femininity oozing from her physique and delicate posture.
An elegant green colored dhoti (lower body garment) secured by an elaborate waistband is the only cloth worn by the goddess in this wooden statue, which unveils the unbounded etherealness of Maa Durga excellently. Maa Durga’s lion calmly stands behind her, sharing the floral pedestal with the goddess. Two diminutive female figures, the attendants of the universal queen mother flank the imposing wooden Maa Durga statue with their hands joined in the gesture of offering adulations, their hair tied in an updo that matches the ethnic fashion of South Indian women.
A bird, probably Mynah sits on Devi Durga’s hand which is placed on her thigh in the Katihasta mudra, another iconographical attribute that is unique to the Southern Indian images of mother goddesses. With her primary right hand pleasingly raised in the gesture of fearlessness, Mahishasuramardini Durga quells not only the legendary buffalo demon but all the fears and enemies of her devotees with her omniscient gaze.
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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