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36" Large Wooden Goddess Mariamman Statue (South Indian Durga)

$482.47
$919
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Goddess Mariamman is a popular god in South India, especially in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.  This deity's origins can be traced back to the goddess Renuka, the mother of Lord Vishnu's child Parashurama. This Laquered finish Wooden statue is a testament to the loving and graceful image of Goddess Mariamman. Here the Goddess is seen sitting in the Lalitasana pose with a Damru and a Pasha or noose in her upper hands.

 

The lower two hands held a Chandrahasa sword and a vermillion container each. Intricately carved, Mariamman exudes grace, with eyes that radiate compassion. Adorned in rich wooden hues, the goddess stands as a symbol of fertility and protection. Her presence, captured in every detail, emanates strength and maternal warmth. The craftsmanship reverently honors tradition, as the goddess emerges, a guardian and source of solace.

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Specifications
ZEQ906
Wood
36.00 inch Height X 14.00 inch Width X 3.50 inch Depth
Weight 8 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Ships in 1-3 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

An Emblem of Divine Protection and Power

This magnificent wooden statue, standing at an imposing 35 inches, captures the formidable presence of Goddess Mariamman, a revered deity in South India, often identified with the fierce aspects of Durga. Carved from rich, warm wood, the craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the intricate ornamentation of her attire to the serene yet powerful expression on her face. The statue is presented within a beautifully carved arched frame, adorned with motifs that speak to ancient traditions and spiritual symbolism.

The Serpent's Embrace: A Symbol of Protection

Dominating the backdrop is the majestic hood of a serpent, its scales meticulously rendered, creating an awe-inspiring aura around the Goddess. In Hindu mythology, the serpent, particularly the cobra, is a potent symbol. It represents protection, cosmic energy (kundalini), and the cyclical nature of time. The multi-headed serpent is often depicted as a divine shield, ananasana, guarding the divine. Here, it acts as a powerful canopy, underscoring Mariamman's role as a fierce protector against evil and a grantor of solace to her devotees. The Naga (serpent) is also deeply connected to fertility and the earth, further associating the Goddess with life-giving energies.

Mariamman: The Village Goddess and Universal Mother

Goddess Mariamman is a principal goddess of the folk religion of South India. Her worship is particularly widespread in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Sri Lanka. She is often invoked to ward off diseases, particularly smallpox, and to bring prosperity and rain. Her association with Durga signifies her paramount strength and her power to vanquish evil forces. Tales abound of her miraculous interventions, from healing the sick to protecting villages from drought. She is seen as the embodiment of Shakti, the divine feminine energy that is the creative and destructive force in the universe. This statue, with its commanding stature and resolute depiction, truly embodies her essence as a benevolent yet powerful mother figure.

Artistry and Spirituality in Wood

The medium of wood adds a tactile warmth and organic beauty to this sacred representation. The artist's skill in coaxing such life and detail from the wood is remarkable. The posture of the Goddess, seated in a meditative yet alert pose, suggests a profound inner strength and unwavering resolve. Her hands are depicted in mudras, symbolic gestures that further convey her divine attributes and intentions. The careful rendering of her jewelry and headdress speaks to the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of South India, where such sculptures are not merely decorative objects but sacred icons that facilitate devotion and spiritual connection. This large wooden statue serves as a potent reminder of divine grace and protection, an heirloom piece that carries centuries of faith and artistry within its form.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.
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2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.
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3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.
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4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.
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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.

 

  • Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

 

  • Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

 

  • You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

 

  • Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

 

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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