Indian Brass Seated Durga

This cast brass image of the female Hindu deity Durga seated comprises the image of Durga, the aureole or backing plate, and the tiered base. Each has been cast separately.

Durga (a shakti of Shiva) is shown seated in the restful lalitsana pose. There are four arms, each with an attribute. These include a trident, a sword, a drum wrapped with a cobra, and a bowl.

The figure wears a garland of severed heads from her waist and this rests on her lap. The heads are wonderfully bulbous – usually they are suggested at, but these are overt.

Durga sits on a raised, round throne, which in turn sits on  square platform. This slides into the multi-tiered base.

A pierced, flaming aureole slots into the base. It is surmounted by a protective kala mask. A five-headed hooded cobra (Sheshnag) further offers protection for the goddess flaring out of the aureole to shelter Durga’s head.

Three loops on the back of the aureole would have allowed flowers or feathers to be inserted.

The image is very sculptural and three dimensional. The contours have been softened from puja wear and handling. The base has been engraved with cross-hatching and other motifs but most of this has worn away.

Durga images of related form are illustrated in Dursum (2004, p. 16). These too are attributed to 15th-16th century Maharashtra or Karnataka.

The example here is in excellent condition.