There are many words to describe Kali. She is wrathful; nay, fierce; downright bloodthirsty. Her personality centres on that terror-inducing appearance that comprises inky black nakedness and a mass of hair like unforgiving wilderness. The Devi sculpture that you see on this page, however, is a mask composition that draws attention to a singular aspect of Her iconography.
Fashioned from wood, it depicts an expressive face with an elongated bone structure. The narrow brow resembles the wings of an albatross in motion. Beneath the brow is a pair of large eyes, progressively set from the outer to the inner corners. A wide-set nose betwixt the same, with the nostrils and the philtrum crinkled upwards to accommodate the bared jaws. A deep crimson tongue of gigantic proportion emerges from that all-devouring mouth.
Despite the ferocity, the beauty of Her features is undeniable. A crown of wild, pointed leaves sits on Her flat-topped head. Locks of Her hair emerge from the rim of the crown on Her temple, below which is the rudimentary engraving a third organ of vision. Poised on a smooth, dark brown base of the same medium, the rich ivory-gold colour of the face makes for a sharp contrast.
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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