'The word 'Kali' comes from the well-known word kala, meaning time in Sanskrit. She is the power of time. Time, as we all know, is all-destroying, all-devouring. That is why Krishna says in the Gita (11.32) that he is time grown to infinite proportions and destroyer the worlds. Indeed, a power that destroys can only be depicted in terms of awe-inspiring and terrifying imagery.
This sculpture, carved out of Shivani teak wood in the city of Mysore, depicts the goddess as per her imagery found in the scriptures. She stands in a challenging posture, on a supine body turned sideways, which is none other than her husband Lord Shiva.
Minimally clad, goddess Kali wears a apron of human hands held together at by an elaborate waist-band. The hand represents capacity for work, therefore, the apron of human arms symbolizes the fruits of karma offered to Kali by her devotees. The goddess is so pleased with this offering that she wears them on her body.
In addition to conventional ornaments, she wears a prominent necklace of human skulls reaching down to her navel. He head is adorned with a tall crown, rising up like a temple's spire. This signifies her exalted status in the Hindu pantheon.
She has four hands. In the upper right hand she holds a raised knife, while the corresponding left holds a human head she has severed with this very blade. That this is a freshly cut head is evident from the long shower of blood flowing from it. The goddess very deftly collects it in a bowl with a slight deflection of her left hand.
The fourth hand makes the boon-granting (varada) mudra, which symbolizes her ever-readiness to grant boons to those who take refuge under her protective shelter.
There is a sun-like halo behind her head and her beautiful long tresses cascade down symmetrically from the two sides of her crown, reaching nearly to her knees.
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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