Mariamman- the mother who brings rain, is a mighty South Indian goddess, revered in Tamil shrines and Shakta tradition as the Dakshina Durga or Durga of the South. She is an amalgamation of the powers of local mother goddesses and the supreme Hindu Devis such as Durga and Kali. In this divine wooden statue, Maa Mariamman appears in a Chaturbhuja or four-armed form, enthroned on a lotus, holding a Trishula, skull cup, noose and the gesture of fearlessness or Abhaya mudra. She is adorned by an elongated crown, jeweled ornaments, and a fine dhoti.
With a balance of carving and polishing the craftsman has unveiled the heavenly, blissful countenance of Mariamman in this murti, who appears to be smiling gently. The lotus pedestal underneath and the slab around the statue are also carved beautifully to infuse the loveliness of lotuses in the iconography of the goddess.
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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