Antique lost wax brass Goddess Durga on buffalo demon statue

Intricate Brass statue of Hindu goddess with eight arms, Goddess Durga, a warrior goddess who is seen as the embodiment of the collective power of all the gods. Her multiple arms symbolize her ability to wield many different weapons and use them to defeat enemies.

In this statue the goddess Durga is armed with the magical weapons lent to her by the assembly of gods, to do battle with the buffalo demon Mahisha. She stands atop the buffalo whom she slayed when no other god was able. A Yaksha is standing with her on the nape of the buffalo's neck. A Yaksha is a spirit or caretaker of the natural treasures hidden in the earth. 

The artisans who created this statue of Durga have combined an image of victory with an image of beauty. The figure is richly adorned with jewelry, a tall crown and has a slender waist and graceful pose. In this sense, she reflects the ability of most goddess figures to act courageously in the world, and at the same time be subjects of devotion and beauty. She has a large third eye on her forehead.

Legend states, the gods were unable to defeat the demon Mahishasura, so they summoned Durga and gave her all their weapons. The battle went on and on, prolonged by the fact that Mahisha continually changed shapes. Finally, Durga was able to cut off his head as the demon emerged from a buffalo.

This vintage brass statue will add charm and history to your decor.

Dhokra art, using the 4000 yr old 'lost-wax casting' technique used by Dhokra Damar tribes in India. The lost-wax process with brass begins with a model made of beeswax, or another material with a low melting point. After the wax object is carved, several layers of clay are applied. The entire mould is then heated so that the wax melts and drains away. Molten metal is then poured into the resulting cavity. Once the metal has cooled and hardened, the clay is chipped off, leaving the metal object. The produced objects are always unique, as every time the mould is necessarily destroyed. 

Era 1900s. Lost Wax Method Brass.