Mahishasuramardini, Durga Killing the Buffalo Demon

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Mahishasuramardini, Durga Killing the Buffalo Demon

c. 16th - 17th century

Artist/maker unknown, Nepalese

Surrounded by an ornate aureole called a torana is the Great Goddess Durga in her form as Mahishasuramardini, literally the Buffalo-Demon Slayer. This scene depicts the climax of the battle: the buffalo's severed head lies between her legs and Durga grasps the demon's hair as he emerges from his buffalo body, which is pinned under her left leg. Durga became wildly popular in Nepal during the Malla period. Every spring up to the present day, Nepalese celebrate the festival of Chaite Dashain during which they sacrifice buffalo to commemorate Durga's victory over evil. Red tika powders on the sculpture indicate it was once worshiped, probably in a private home shrine.

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Object Details

Title:

Mahishasuramardini, Durga Killing the Buffalo Demon

Date:

c. 16th - 17th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Nepalese

Medium:

Copper alloy with traces of gilding and ritual powder accretions

Dimensions:

4 7/8 × 3 1/8 × 1 3/8 inches (12.4 × 7.9 × 3.5 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994

Accession Number:

1994-148-605

Geography:

Made in Nepal, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Malla Dynasty (1200-1769)

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