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100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Protector Deity of South India

$2685.75
$3581
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
EP31
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 4 ft
Width: 1.75 ft
Depth: 1 ft
Weight 29.80 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 40 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Divine Origins

Delve into the heart of South Indian devotion with this meticulously hand-carved wooden sculpture. Crafted in the traditional style of temple art, this magnificent piece brings the power and presence of a protector deity into your home. This is not merely a statue, but a tangible embodiment of divine energy, a focal point for prayer, and a stunning representation of South Indian artistic heritage. Imagine the centuries of tradition and skill that have culminated in this unique representation.

Features and Attributes

Notice the remarkable detail of this carving, from the intricately patterned halo surrounding the deity's head to the powerful stance. In one hand, the deity wields a sickle-shaped sword, poised to cut through ignorance and negativity. In the other, a sturdy trident, symbolizing control over the three aspects of existence: creation, preservation, and destruction. The deity's countenance, with fierce eyes and prominent fangs, reflects their readiness to defend their devotees from all harm. The ornamentation adorning this form, including the multiple bangles on the arms and the elaborate belt, further enhances the majesty of the sculpture. The carving rests upon a platform embellished with ornate floral motifs, adding to its overall aesthetic appeal. Its impressive size allows it to command attention and serve as a powerful symbol of faith and protection.

A Guardian's Tale

In the tapestry of South Indian mythology, protector deities often hold a place of utmost importance, safeguarding villages, temples, and individuals from harm. While the exact identity of the deity represented in this carving is open to interpretation (a characteristic often found in regional folk traditions), the attributes clearly point to a powerful female force. She may be a representation of Kali, Durga, or another fierce manifestation of the divine feminine, revered for her courage, strength, and unwavering commitment to righteousness. Stories abound of such goddesses vanquishing demons, restoring balance to the world, and answering the prayers of those in need. Placing this carving in your home is like inviting a guardian into your life, a source of strength and protection against the forces of darkness.

Temple Art, Timeless Beauty

This carving is a testament to the enduring traditions of South Indian temple craftsmanship. For generations, artisans have honed their skills, passing down ancient techniques and sacred designs. These sculptures were originally created to adorn the walls of temples, serving as reminders of the divine presence and inspiring awe in worshippers. By acquiring this piece, you become a part of that legacy, preserving and celebrating the artistic heritage of South India. Display it prominently in your home, allowing its beauty and spiritual significance to enrich your life and inspire all who behold it. Dimensions are 4.0 x 1.75 x 1.0 ft.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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