Figure

Description

Sculpture of the goddess Durga defeating the buffalo demon Mahisha, carved in volcanic tufa: Asia, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Java, 10th - 11th century

Museum reference

V.2016.39

Collection

World Culture

Object name

Figure

Production information

Java, Indonesia, Southeast Asia

Date

10th - 11th century

Style / Culture

Hindu

Materials

Volcanic rock, Tuff

Physical description

Durga stands victorious over the defeated buffalo with the demon Mahisha praying for mercy seated to her left side. Only four of her eight arms are depicted. She holds conch shell and disc in her upper hands, and with the lower she holds the buffalo's tail and the demon, depicted as a figure having already left the animal's body, in her other hand. She is adorned with various ornaments and is depicted with a halo.

Associations

Previous owner / collector: Grant, James William, 1788 - 1865
Depicted: Durga