The kavadi is an element of the kavadi attam folk dance form prevalent in Tamil Nadu, India. The kavadi is a makeshift temple, heavily and ornately designed, which is borne on the shoulder by the devotee as part of the dance routine. Lord Murugan is said to dispense the strength one needs in order to bear the burden of the kavadi, a symbol of the debt of life borne by one’s soul.
The kavadi that you see on this page is an ornate wooden sculpture. It is a temple of chaturbhujadhari Lord Ganesha. He is seated on a lotus throne, flanked by His wives, Riddhi and Siddhi, with a substantially-sized Kirtimukham at the zenith of His crown.
The temple surrounding the deity bears every hallmark of traditional South Indian architecture, such as the Kirtimukham engraved in the templetop as well as the foundation, the Ashvayali against the temple pillars, and the vine-and-peacock archway holding up the kavadi structure.
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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