A Bronze Figure of Durga
Nepal, circa 1700
height: 9.6 cm
A finely cast figure of an eighteen-armed heavily bejewelled
and crowned Durga slaying the buffalo-demon
Mahishasura. The moment decapitation is captured in this
bronze. Durga has one foot on her lion mount. The other is
on the buffalo demon’s back. She holds her attributes in her
hands. They include a sword, a bow, a noose and a conch
shell. She also holds buffalo entrails. Entrails held by her
lower hands have been personified and are shown on either
side as deity figures their hands clasped together in prayer.
The buffalo’s head lies in front, on the base. The demon
can be seen clearly emerging from the buffalo’s severed
neck.
The base comprises pierced lotus petal openwork. The
back has two lugs to support a nimbus. The bronze has a
rich, chocolate patina.
Durga is a popular goddess in Nepal. Each year in Nepal,
hundreds are buffaloes are ritually beheaded to honour
Durga during the Dasain festival.
Inventory no.: 49
Nepal, circa 1700
height: 9.6 cm
A finely cast figure of an eighteen-armed heavily bejewelled
and crowned Durga slaying the buffalo-demon
Mahishasura. The moment decapitation is captured in this
bronze. Durga has one foot on her lion mount. The other is
on the buffalo demon’s back. She holds her attributes in her
hands. They include a sword, a bow, a noose and a conch
shell. She also holds buffalo entrails. Entrails held by her
lower hands have been personified and are shown on either
side as deity figures their hands clasped together in prayer.
The buffalo’s head lies in front, on the base. The demon
can be seen clearly emerging from the buffalo’s severed
neck.
The base comprises pierced lotus petal openwork. The
back has two lugs to support a nimbus. The bronze has a
rich, chocolate patina.
Durga is a popular goddess in Nepal. Each year in Nepal,
hundreds are buffaloes are ritually beheaded to honour
Durga during the Dasain festival.
Inventory no.: 49