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Durga

Indian

Artwork Details

Durga
17th century
Indian
brass
6 x 3 x 2 3/4 in. (15.3 x 8.4 x 7.0 cm)
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Leo S. Figiel and Dr. and Mrs. Steven J. Figiel.
1975/2.112

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Description

Durga is a powerful and fierce goddess, not one to be summoned lightly. Instead of being venerated, Durga is feared and must be appeased to prevent her from bringing disease and harm to the world. Despite its small size, this image of Durga conveys her majestic and terrible power, with her erect pose emphasized by her high crown and the vertical thrust of the sword she holds. She also carries a kapala, a cup made from a human skull.
Exhibited in "Divine Encounters, Earthly Pleasures: Twenty Centuries of Indian Art," 12/12/03-2/22/04.

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