Devi Parvati- Shivakamasundari (the beautiful woman or Sundari who inspires passion or Kama in Shiva) with her magnificent persona has become the muse of Indian art tradition when it comes to visualizing the zenith of feminine virtues. Her devotion to Shiva as Uma and her ferocious protectiveness toward her children as Mahakali are powerful images that make her the perfection of the divine feminine in Hindu culture.
In this wooden Uma Parvati statue, the craftsman drew inspiration from South Indian sculptural tradition, where independent icons of the Hindu mother goddess are produced in abundance. The goddess Parvati statue stands on an upraised pedestal shaped like the inverted lotus, in the triple-bent (Tribhanga) posture, with a hint of her bent knee felt on her right leg.
Devi wears a simple dhoti with a border and an elaborate Kamaraband (girdle) over it whose tassels form identical curls on both sides of the wooden Uma statue. On her head is an imposing crown, pressed with which her luscious tresses fall on her shoulder pleasingly. Maa Parvati’s countenance carries heavenly tranquility, owing to the perfected facial features which are completed by the soft smile swept across her face.
In the neck of the wooden Parvati statue, the artist has carved an exquisite necklace, with a trident as its pendant which is an attribute of both Shiva and Shakti (Parvati). On Devi’s torso, a floral breast ornament, a beaded Channavira (stringed ornament worn in criss-cross fashion) and a fine Yajnopavita (sacred thread) catch the eye with the unique delineation of each of these elements.
Uma Parvati’s right hand in the wood statue is raised in the Katakhastha mudra, a gesture meant for holding a flower and her left hand dangles elegantly on her side. Carved in a rounded manner, the beauty of this wooden Devi Parvati statue can also be appreciated on its reverse, with lovely carvings and patterns revealing the grace of Shiva’s beloved.
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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