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.

Mother Kali

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Name: Mother Kali
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EP39
Price: 55.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$47.25

$63

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	EP39
	Folk Wood Sculpture from Varanasi
	Height: 5 inch
	Width: 5 inch
	Depth: 3 inch
	Weight 110 gm

Delivery and Return Policies


	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.

The Dark Mother: Destroyer of Illusion

Behold a captivating representation of the powerful goddess who embodies both fierce destruction and profound compassion. This remarkable folk wood sculpture, originating from the ancient city of Varanasi, India, captures the essence of a deity revered as the remover of illusion and the protector of her devotees. Every detail of this hand-carved piece resonates with the traditions and artistic heritage of its birthplace. The imagery of this dark-skinned Goddess may be initially startling, but it contains deep symbolism. She is frequently depicted standing or dancing upon the supine body of Lord Shiva. This image represents the stillness and consciousness upon which the dynamic energy of creation and destruction is based. Shiva, in his passive state, provides the foundation for Her active power.

From the Heart of Varanasi

Handcrafted by skilled artisans in Varanasi, a city steeped in spiritual significance along the banks of the sacred Ganges River, this wooden sculpture embodies the raw, unrefined beauty of folk art. Each piece reflects the individual artisan's interpretation, preserving traditional methods and techniques passed down through generations. Due to the nature of folk art, variations in color, texture, and minor imperfections are inherent and add to the sculpture’s unique charm. The use of wood as the primary medium connects the sculpture to the earth, symbolizing the cycle of life, death, and renewal that is so integral to Her essence. The dark paint covering the wood is a constant reminder of the unknown.

Deity, Power, and Symbolism

In Her four arms, various implements are typically held, each representing a different aspect of her power. In one hand a severed head indicates the cutting away of ego and illusion, the path to ultimate truth. The other hand holds a weapon, often a curved blade, used to dispel ignorance and negativity, making way for spiritual awakening. The gesture of her hands often offers blessings to those who are devoted and offer courage. The garland of severed heads that adorns Her represents the ego's demise and the cycle of reincarnation. Each head is a symbol of the liberation from identification with the physical body. She dances wildly, trampling over the limitations of the ego and the falsehoods of the material world. This exquisite folk sculpture is perfect for anyone who feels drawn to the dynamic and transformative energy of the divine feminine, or wishes to add a touch of authentic Indian artistic expression to their space. Display it in your home, meditation area, or sacred space as a reminder of the transformative power that lies within us all.

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.

Add a review

Have A Question

Comment *

Full Name *

Email *

Mobile

By continuing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Previously Browsed