An unusual iconography of Lord Hanuman. It would be the simple seated figure of a superior yogi, had it not been for the fact that He is sitting on the high coils of His own tail. The foot of the right leg reaches all the way to the bottom-most coil (there are five coils of a long, thick, monkey’s tail); so does the crown of His signature weapon, the bludgeon.
This Hanuman murti is carved from Vengai wood. It is a type of wood that is endemic to South India and is believed to have mystical qualities. It is, after all, an organic medium and quite the challenge to breathe life into. As such, the artisan has poured a great degree of both skill and shraddha into this precisely formed, almost lifelike image of Hanuman.
The natural ochre colour of the wood medium and the fine undulations of its texture add to the beauty of the sculpture. The Lord raises a hand in blessing. From above the swollen jaw emerges an all-knowing gaze. Finally, an ornately engraved crown and halo, half-covering the Vaishnava tilaka on His brow.
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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