When Lord Brahma began the task of creation, he was stuck. Despite all the functional forms being generated, the Srishti (creation) of Brahma lacked something. A powerful inspiration arose in Brahma’s mind, to reach perfection in his task, and from this stimulus was born goddess Saraswati, whose powers inspire not only Brahma but all of his creations. Imposing and awe-inspiring in her form, this large wooden dancing goddess Saraswati is a master artist’s vision of Saraswati as the sole source of life and creativity.
The mother goddess stands on a double-rowed lotus platform, in an exceedingly graceful posture, with her legs placed apart and her bent left leg acting as the support for the Veena (stringed instrument) that she is playing. Devi’s right hand holds the neck of the Veena firmly and her left hand, with its fingers, folded and one of them slightly raised conveys the image of goddess Saraswati indulged in making divinely sweet tunes by striking the cords of the Veena.
The interplay of deep and shallow carvings on the wooden goddess Saraswati has successfully endowed the Devi with fine ornaments- head ornaments that beautify her distinctive hairdo, necklaces, shoulder bands, earrings, armbands, bracelets, anklets, and an elaborate, bejeweled girdle with two parallel rows of belts decorated with floral patterns, highlighting the graceful posture of the goddess.
Goddess Saraswati’s face in this large wooden statue is slightly elongated, with fuller facial features exquisitely framed by a row of curls that fall on her forehead. Behind the wooden goddess, the Saraswati statue is a magnificent floral stalk spurting out of the wooden platform. This component represents the Kalpavriksha- the Hindu wish-fulfilling tree, a symbol of life-affirming forces.
Sumptuously adorned with branches that are heavy with the weight of fruits they bear, the Kalpavriksha houses various life forms- peacocks, parrots, and monkeys, who are realistically rendered in this wooden artwork. Attached to her celestial form, the Kalpavriksha here is visualized as emanating from goddess Saraswati herself, who is the source of life-giving, active, feminine energies and has the power to fulfill all wishes- material and spiritual.
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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