The history of wood carving dates back to the Middle Paleolithic age and exists as a universal phenomenon in human culture as a means for artistry. Wooden sculptures have gradually been in demand and still hold their perfect place in the Indian sculptural art. The sculpture shown here is carved out of the most finite quality wood in a dark chocolaty shade with tinges of light highlighting its beautiful formations. Goddess Mariamman is the Mother Goddess of South India, worshipped mainly in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. She is often associated with Hindu goddess Durga as both the Hindu deities are opined to be the empowering role models for women and highlight the matriarchal worldview to the Indian history.
The word Mari, means ‘rain’ and the Tamil word Amman means ‘mother’, thus referring her as the Mother goddess of rain and prosperity. This wooden art of South Indian goddess Mariamman depicts her as a beautiful young woman often with a red hued face, sitting here in lalitasana on a high raised double lotus throne supported by a stylized pedestal. The goddess holds a long trident and a lotus flower in her anterior hands and the rear hands carry pasa and ankusa respectively. Bejeweled in gracious necklaces along with a long floral designed necklace that veils her body from top to bottom, large karnaphool and matching bracelets and anklets, the sculptor has given apt justice to the beauty of Mother Mariamman.
Note the perfection of her pleated dhoti forming horizontal stripes and a traditional floral border at the hem, covered with a beautiful floral kamarband. As you zoom in to the image, you will not stop praising the professional skills of the carver by looking at the elegant and smooth curves of her body, chiselled patterns beautifying her accessories and the realistic aspects of her expressions displaying Mariamman’s pleasant nature. The long multiple layered crown that glorifies the deity’s head is marvellously formed in typical South Indian temple style carvings. Having this artefact at as a decoration will mark it as an eye-catchy corner of the place.
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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