Antique Wooden Panel of Durga Slaying Mahishasura – South India, ca. 1880

Description

This intricately carved wooden panel depicts the fierce and divine Hindu goddess Durga Mahishasuramardini, shown in the act of slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Originating from South India (likely Tamil Nadu or Karnataka) and dating to the late 19th to early 20th century, the panel is hand-carved from tropical jackfruit wood (Artocarpus heterophyllus)—a sacred and durable material traditionally used in temple sculpture.

Durga is portrayed with ten arms, each holding symbolic weapons or making protective mudras, standing dynamically atop a subdued demon. Surrounding her are stylized lions and attendant figures, all carved in bold high relief. This powerful scene embodies the cosmic restoration of dharma (righteous order) through divine strength.

Technical Details:

• Height: 72.5 cm

• Width: 36 cm

• Weight: 7.4 kg

• Material: Jackfruit wood

• Style: South Indian temple art

• Date: Circa 1880–1920

Condition:

Structurally sound with one restorable broken element (preserved and included). Signs of age, including natural oxidation, pigment traces, and historical handling, are present. No active woodworm or synthetic alterations observed. The back includes a modern metal mounting plate for display purposes.

This rare sculpture is both a collectible devotional object and a striking display piece, valuable for collectors of South Asian art, spiritual symbolism, and Hindu iconography.