Maa Lakshmi- the provider of wealth and opulence. As her name signifies (Lakshmi, one who assists in reaching a Lakshya or goal), the goddess is worshipped for a specific material or spiritual aim. For each objective that she empowers, Devi takes a different form. Collectively, these forms are known as Ashtalakshmi or the eight Lakshmis. In this wood statue, the goddess of wealth is depicted as Vidya Lakshmi, her form associated with knowledge and wealth that is earned by applying said knowledge in the world.
Vidya Lakshmi embodies two basic but important ideas. One, that without knowledge, wealth has no long-term value, and two, knowledge that is unable to generate wealth is useless in this world. In this manner, Vidya Lakshmi is the perfect balance of India’s spiritual and material endeavours, signifying an evolved mentality that neither overemphasizes the importance of money nor puts the entire focus on esoteric theoretical knowledge with no real utility.
Standing atop a beautifully carved wooden platform, Vidya Lakshmi holds naturalistically made lotus buds in her hands. She is wearing a Vaishnava Kiritamukuta, profusely jeweled, complemented by the fine jewelry that clads her from head to toe. Goddess’ dhoti firmly fits her slender legs, held together by the bejewelled girdle, fitted with small chains with bells and a thick chain decorated with petal-shaped designs hooked to the attire from the mid-section of the dhoti and near Devi’s right leg. Floral vines sprout around and from her figure, a motif used in many Lakshmi idols and images to signify her association with creation and fertility. The polishing of the wood and further additions like three incised lines on the neck to signal flesh folds and the soft expressions on Lakshmi’s face have brought this woodwork to life. With her right hand raised in the gesture of fearlessness and her left hand holding a Veda (sacred Hindu text), Vidya Lakshmi tells the onlooker to get rid of all their fears and anxieties, she is here to bestow the twin boons of spiritual and material wealth.
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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