The Serpent and the Mongoose - Red Marble Sculpture from Mahabalipuram

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The Serpent and the Mongoose - Red Marble Sculpture from Mahabalipuram

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$328.50

$438

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The epic tussle between the mongoose and the cobra presents a captivating spectacle of nature's raw instinct and the struggle for survival. As you observe this primal dance, may you find appreciation for the intricacies of the natural world and the balance it maintains. Let this enthralling encounter inspire you to respect the diversity of life and the complex relationships between different species. As the mongoose and cobra engage in their timeless battle, they remind us of the interconnectedness of all living beings, fostering a deeper understanding and reverence for the wonders of nature.

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Specifications

	RO48
	Red Marble Sculpture from Mahabalipuram
	Height: 4 inch
	Width: 9.5 inch
	Depth: 2.2 inch
	Weight 1.96 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 20 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 Timeless Battle in Stone

Crafted from red marble in the historic artisan town of Mahabalipuram, India, this sculpture vividly captures a classic confrontation: the eternal struggle between the serpent and the mongoose. This carefully carved piece freezes a moment of intense action, showcasing the mongoose locked in combat with the snake. The detailed scales of the serpent contrast with the mongoose's textured fur, both rendered with remarkable precision and skill. The open mouths of each creature convey the ferocity of the battle.

The Mythological Significance

The rivalry between snakes and mongooses is deeply embedded in Indian folklore and mythology. This relationship is a symbol of good versus evil, the mongoose representing cleverness, bravery, and the triumph of good over the deceptive and often deadly nature of the serpent. The snake, while sometimes venerated as a symbol of power and transformation, also carries associations with danger and darkness. These animals appear throughout the Panchatantra, a collection of ancient Indian animal fables. These tales often use animals to impart moral lessons and provide insights into human behavior. The constant struggle between the serpent and the mongoose is used to show the constant fight between good and evil. Owning this sculpture is a reminder of the importance of courage and intellect in overcoming adversity.

A Piece of Mahabalipuram's Heritage

Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples and intricate stone carvings. For centuries, artisans in this region have honed their skills, passing down traditions from generation to generation. This piece reflects this rich heritage, made in the heart of India's artisan world. With its compact dimensions (4.0 x 9.5 x 2.2 inches), this statue is perfect for display on a desk, shelf, or mantelpiece. Its rich, reddish hue adds warmth and character to any room. It’s more than just a decorative item; it's a tangible connection to a vibrant cultural history and a testament to enduring artistic mastery. It's sure to be a conversation starter, blending artistry, symbolism, and the spirit of ancient India into a single, captivating piece.

How to clean and maintain marble statues?

Marble has been a preferred material for sculptors and artists for more than a thousand years. It is a rock that undergoes metamorphism which causes recrystallization of the original carbonate mineral grains. Marble comes in various colors, designs, and dimensions. Pure white marble is the most preferred type of marble for making sculptures and statues since time immemorial. White marble is especially used for sculpting stone monumental sculptures since ancient times. The natural shine and luster of the carbonate crystals of white marble give a lavish and beautiful appearance to the statue.

Marble stone statues are highly durable and can even withstand harsh weather conditions without getting corroded, therefore, they can be kept indoors or outdoors without getting damaged or weathered. Although these statues can last for many decades, their regular care and cleaning are essential to increase their longevity and beautiful appearance.

The simplest and basic way of cleaning a marble stone statue is to clear away dirt accumulated on the surface. Outdoor statues are especially prone to biological growth and dirt build-up that may take away their natural beauty. You may rinse the statue with warm water and mild soap to clean the dirt as much as possible. You can use a sponge or cotton cloth to scrape off dirt accumulated in crevices and cracks.

You must never allow water to stand on the surface of the statue for a long time. Standing water gets absorbed by the marble’s porous surface which results in its discoloration. Therefore, it is always recommended to dry-clean the statue with a towel or damp cloth.

Applying beeswax, a non-toxic product, on the surface of the marble statue offers protection against staining, dirt, and pollutants. It also polishes the surface and gives a natural shine to the statue.

Marble statues need periodical cleaning to maintain their flawless look. However, harsh and deep cleaning can result in making the statue look dull. If your marble statue is withering away, it is recommended to take the help of a professional cleaner. Marble is a delicate material and therefore needs proper care.

Marble Mastery Unveiled: The Artisan's Symphony in Sculpting Timeless Beauty

Marble is a soft and delicate metamorphic rock derived from limestone. It is composed mainly of recrystallized carbonate minerals. The appealing appearance of marble gives rise to the making of beautiful sculptures and statues. Jaipur city of Rajasthan, India, is considered the capital of marble carving where various marble idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are made. These magnificent statues are carved by skilled sculptors out of the purest white marble. The slight softness of white marble makes it easier to be carved and chiseled into any desirable form or shape. Another impressive feature of marble is that the calcite has a low refractive index that allows light to penetrate the stone before getting scattered out. This results in bringing a translucent appearance and luster to the marble sculpture. This is the reason why most sculptors prefer to work with marble for sculpting life-size statues that require intricate details, evoking a certain realism to the work.

There is a detailed or step-by-step process of developing the desired structure of a sculpture from marble stone. These steps are:

1. Clay mould

Most sculptors prefer to sculpt a preliminary model out of clay or wax to translate its complex and intricate details into the final stone sculpture with the use of calipers or a pointing machine. The plasticity of the clay mould helps sculptors capture the success of the final sculpture before carving the stone. The clay is moulded into the desired shape or form and this acts as a rough

2. Roughing out

The second step of carving or sculpting is to remove large portions of unwanted marble stone. This task is done by using a special tool known as a point chisel. The pointed end of this tool is useful for splitting the large stone and removing big chunks that are not wanted. Usually, a mallet (a tool similar to a hammer) is used to transfer energy through the chisel to shatter the stone evenly and accurately.

3. Refining the figure

Once the sculptors have determined the general shape of the sculpture, a toothed chisel or claw chisel is used to refine the stone. These tools create parallel lines in the stone to add texture to the figure. During this stage, the rough block of stone has now changed into the general shape of the sculpture.

4. Adding the details

The sculptor is now ready to carry out detailed work to develop a more refined form of the sculpture. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are then used to enhance the shape into its final form. These tools finely create details such as frills or folds of clothing or locks of hair.

5. Polishing

This is the last step in marble sculpting in which the sculptor uses materials such as sandpaper to bring out a natural sheen to the sculpture. The sandpaper is rubbed against the surface to make it smoother and flawless. Sometimes, tin oxide is also used to make the sculpture appear glossy and more translucent.

Marble sculptures are highly durable and can last for many decades if maintained and taken care of properly. They are also extremely weather-resistant and therefore, can be kept outdoors or indoors. The exquisite beauty of marble statues elevates the aura of the space and emanates positivity all around.