Devi- she who is the essence, origin, and meaning of “Daiva” (the primordial divine element) is the supreme mother goddess in Hinduism. She is Durga to protect her children, Kali to annihilate the fear of Kala (death and time), Saraswati to bestow pearls of wisdom, and Maa Lakshmi to enrich human life with material and spiritual wealth. Indian art traditions since the early days have relished in the divinity of Devi through her innumerable icons in various moods and forms- from ten-armed Kali to Ashtabhuja (eight-armed) Durga. The most awe-inspiring and popular representations of the mother goddess, however, is in her benign two-armed form, as an ethereal young maiden, who accompanies the icons of Shiva as Uma-Shivakamasundari, and Vishnu as Sri-Lakshmi or Bhudevi. This wooden statue of Devi is unparalleled, presenting the active feminine potency that enables the deeds of the male gods- Prakriti.
This wooden Devi statue stands on a simple pedestal adorned with lotus petal marks, in the elegant Tribhanga (triple bent) posture. A conical Kiritamukuta crown with a halo and ornately carved ornaments beautify her divine physique. The statue has been carved in a rounded manner to display the exquisiteness of the mother goddess wholly. Arched eyebrows, almond eyes, sharp nose and softly curving lips in a smile animate this monotone wooden Devi. Her right hand is in the Katakahasta mudra, a gesture of offering a flower, and her left hand gracefully dangles at her side. Tassels from Devi’s dhoti and the elaborate ornament worn by her magnify the sumptuousness of this woodwork.
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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