The sculptor has depicted the goddess with a sturdy form, her feminine charm amply highlighted with a nosering and necklaces. One necklace however definitely overshadows all the rest. It is the longest one, ending just at the rim of her grotesque skirt made up of severed human hands. This necklace is formed of human skulls, strung tightly together. This is an expression of the Devi's destructive aspect. Her eyes remind one of lotus petals and are quite intoxicating on a close inspection. The lolling tongue though, perhaps mocking (and rightly so) our incompetent attempts at understanding her incomprehensibility, does indicate that she not a 'mere woman', but rather the infinite fount from which pours forth the Shakti maintaining this entire universe. Her long strands of hair showers like a curtain behind her.
The image of the recumbent Lord Shiva lying under her feet represents him as the passive potential of creation and Kali as his Shakti. The generic term Shakti denotes the Universal feminine creative principle and the energizing force behind all male divinity including Shiva. Shakti is known by the general name Devi, from the root 'div', meaning to shine. She is the Shining One, who is given different names in different places and in different appearances, as the symbol of the life-giving powers of the Universe. It is she that powers him. This Shakti is expressed as the i in Shiva's name. Without this i, Shiva becomes Shva, which in Sanskrit means a corpse. Thus suggesting that without his Shakti, Shiva is powerless or inert.
This sculpture was created in the city of Jaipur, the capital city of the state of Rajasthan.
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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