A wooden Nataraja murti to grace the home or office space of the finest devotee. The great Lord Shiva, caught amidst His all-annihilating tandava. Anterior hands in the abhaya (right) va gajahasta (left) mudras. The left foot raised high in the air. The right one pressing down on the back of the avidya-roopi Apasmara.
Every aspect of the traditional Nataraja iconography is intact in this sculpture. THe flaying locks of Shiva as He dances, sashes and snakes descending from every curve and juncture of the supple form. What sets this composition apart from your run-of-the-mill Nataraja murtis is the sheer wealth of detail engraved into the organic wood medium.
The natural wood medium lends this murti a solemn, earth monotone. It adds so much gravitas to every engraved detail such as the composure of a handsome face and the adornment on an agile form. Note the concentric engravings along the surrounding prabhavali (aureole), which makes this murti look like it belongs to a South Indian temple of yore.
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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