Antique Durga Mahishasura bronze statue. India. From 16.-18. Century.

Antique Durga Mahishasura bronze statue. India. From 16.-18. Century. The goddess Durga, seen here with multiple arms, carries various divine weapons, including a sword and a bow. She is in the midst of the cosmic battle, where she is fighting the demon Mahishasura, who is trying to escape in the form of a water buffalo under her feet. Her mount, the lion (vahana), is traditionally seen attacking the demon by 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 figurine usually comes from ritual rubbing. In Hindu tradition, this type of wear is called a 'pujapatina'. During the daily prayers and rituals (puja) the face, as the most prominent and sacred point, is rubbed and dried for centuries, which leaves the metal soft, smooth, and rounded. This is now considered an important sign of authenticity among collectors. The material is a bronze metal alloy. Dimensions: ca. 11x7x6 cm. Stand: see images.