The wooden dancing lady stands atop a lotus pedestal with her right foot slightly raised, forming an appealing posture. Her presence is highlighted by an imposing floral aureole, whose exquisiteness can be seen as an extension of the figure it frames. Her flowing tresses are secured in a bun that is adorned with a jeweled hair ornament.
Flower-shaped earrings, three rows of necklaces, armbands, wristbands, tasseled girdles, and anklets studded with gems add to the fabled beauty of this wooden dancing lady. Her eyes are large, her nose is sharp and her lips carry the delicateness of a flower- she is the epitome of feminine charisma.
Her hands are in a Samyuta-hasta (two hands) gesture in which both palms are used to convey meaning. “Matsya mudra”- the gesture of a floating fish as depicted in this wooden dancing lady statue represents the Matsya avatar or fish incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who protected Manu from the great flood of eradication (Jala- Pralaya). The gesture is a cue to the powers and paternal benevolence of the protector of Srishti, in whose temple this Nartaki must have performed, once upon a time.
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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