Goddess Durga with Vidyadharas and Kirtimukha Atop

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Goddess Durga with Vidyadharas and Kirtimukha Atop

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Name: Goddess Durga with Vidyadharas and Kirtimukha Atop
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: RD65
Price: 1830.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1716

$2288

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	RD65
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 38 inch
	Width: 20.5 inch
	Depth: 5 inch
	Weight 14.56 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 40 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Manifestation of Divine Feminine Power

Within the rich tapestry of South Indian art, the form of Durga stands as a powerful testament to the divine feminine principle, Shakti. This wood carving captures the essence of the goddess in her warrior aspect, a protector, and a formidable force against evil. Every line and curve speaks to her strength, her grace, and her unwavering commitment to dharma. Durga embodies the courage to confront adversity and the compassion to nurture her devotees. The carving hails from the tradition of South Indian temple art, where craftsmanship is not merely a skill but a sacred act of devotion. These pieces are not simply decorative; they serve as focal points for worship, meditation, and spiritual contemplation. The attention to detail and the inherent artistry within this piece reflect the depth of devotion and the cultural significance attributed to Durga in this region.

Riding the Lion: Symbolism and Form

The goddess is depicted riding her vahana, the lion, a potent symbol of power, will, and determination. The lion, tamed and guided by Durga, represents her mastery over these forces, channeling them for the good of the cosmos. Her multiple arms, each holding symbolic weapons or gestures, emphasize her multifaceted nature and her ability to combat evil in various forms. The abhaya mudra, or gesture of fearlessness, offers reassurance and protection to her devotees. Above, the Vidyadharas, celestial beings known for their wisdom and magical powers, flank her. They are depicted in dynamic poses, as if showering blessings and singing her praises. Above them, a Kirtimukha is carved, the face of glory, a protective guardian often seen above doorways or arches in temples, warding off negative energies and bestowing auspiciousness. This arrangement underscores the goddess's elevated position within the cosmic hierarchy and the reverence she commands.

A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship

This piece is a testament to the skill of the artisans who created it, showcasing the techniques and traditions passed down through generations. The intricate details, from the ornamentation adorning the goddess to the flowing manes of the lion, and the delicate floral patterns, demonstrate their mastery of wood carving. The natural wood finish adds a touch of earthy warmth, enhancing the overall appeal and bringing a sense of authenticity to the sculpture. The substantial dimensions, at 38 inches tall, make this a significant piece that will command attention and become a treasured centerpiece of any collection. Display this piece with reverence and allow the presence of Durga to fill your space with strength, protection, and divine grace.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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