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Large Size Shiva The Archer

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Item Code:	EP03
Specifications:	South Indian Temple Wood CarvingArtist: R. Chellappan
Dimensions	5.9 ft X 1.6 ft X 0.6 ft
Weight:	46.50 kg

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This dramatically conceived form of Lord Shiva, with body curved on almost all points, hands gesticulating silence lest the sound of his retinue’s footsteps alerted the birds and led them to flee, and eyes expanding with delight for finding so many of them within his reach, represents him as hunter, one of his innumerable manifestations, conceived both in visual arts and theological tradition.

The wood-carver here has laid greater emphasis on Shiva’s tribal and hunter forms. A bird caught and carried in his left hand, the style of double leather belt tied around his waist and a large dagger or medium-size sword fixed into it, and the style of coiffure – hair braided with turban and tied into a large ball-like knot with a loop releasing from it, are features rigidified now for long as essential elements of a hunter’s identity. However, in all other things – a muscular, or rather crude anatomy, large moustaches, balls-like large eyes with eye-balls bursting out of their sockets, style of crown conceived with spikes and floral base, ornaments of large beads and various natural seeds, the figure reveals tribal identity. While lotus-buds with stems, or an ornament so styled, seem to adorn the apex of his ears, bunches of banana-like fruits, or identical ear-ornaments, are used for adorning his ear-lobes. Crude and uncultivated anklets, ornaments on neck and breast as well as on arms and other parts, made of natural beads, buds and fruits further emphasise the figure’s tribal links.

The figure of the hunter Shiva has been installed on a five tiered high pedestal. The base comprises a row of stylised inverted lotuses. Above it there is a recessed moulding with floral-creeper design defining its face. Above it there appears a projected moulding with slanting lotus face. Again there appears a depressed zone comprising a plain unadorned moulding part, and finally, it is topped by a moulding conceived with a tapering lower half comprising lotuses. The figure of Shiva has been supported on a column fixed in the centre of the pedestal. His entire figure, from legs to head, from gesticulating hands to an emotionally charged face, vibrates with rhythm and appears to be in a posture of dance.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.

Click here to view a high resolution image of the sculpture (2.6 MB).

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Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.

2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.

3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.

4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.

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.

Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

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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