Antique Durga Mahishasura bronze statue. India. From 17.-18. Century.

Antique Durga Mahishasura bronze statue. India. From 17.-18. Century. The goddess Durga, seen here with multiple arms, bears various divine weapons, including a sword and a bow. She is in the midst of the cosmic battle, where she pierces the demon Mahishasura, who here tries to flee in the form of a water buffalo under her feet. Her mount, the lion (vahana), is traditionally seen attacking the demon at her side. Provenance: The collection originated from a Danish nurse who, from around 1947-60, was part of the UN's vaccination program in Asia and Africa. In connection with this, she acquired this statue. The damage to the face of this type of antique bronze figure almost always comes from ritual rubbing. In Hindu tradition, this type of wear is called a 'pujapatina'. During the daily prayers and rituals (puja) the face, being the most prominent and sacred point, is repeatedly touched and dried, which over the years wears away the sharp details, leaving the metal soft, smooth, and rounded, which is now considered an important sign of authenticity among collectors. The material is a bronze metal alloy. Dimensions: ca. 7,3x4,4x2,5 cm. Stand: see images.