Antique Nepalese Bronze Durga

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 of 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

SOLD