Sculpture, Mahiṣāsuramardinī, la forma di Durgā che trionfa sul demone-bufalo, Bastar (Chhattīsgarh), XIX sec. - 13 cm - Lost wax bronze casting

Śakti in armi: Mahiṣāsuramardinī of Bastar
Interesting votive sculpture in lost-wax bronze casting, made according to the tribal ḏhokrā tradition, depicting Mahiṣāsuramardinī – Durgā, who defeats the buffalo demon. The goddess, with a triangular face and conical headdress, is rendered with multiple arms and holds her attributes: the upper right hand holds the nāga; the lower right hand wields the lance piercing the demon/buffalo; the upper left holds the triśūla, and the lower left restrains the demon. The figure sits on a pedestal in front of an arched lobed prabhāvalī with a stylized kīrtimukha crest. The deity appears energetic, with intentionally rough surfaces, visible welds typical of single casting; traces of sindūr and ritual encrustations in the cavities; hollow back with a casting sprue.
The formal system, the types of faces and attributes, allow for the attribution to folk production from central India, Bastar district (Chhattīsgarh), intended for domestic worship at the end of the 19th century.
Antique patina with pinpoint oxidations; coherent wear and casting marks without prejudice to stability.