Balinese traditional sculpture, "Dewi Sinta", XL - Wood - Indonesia - 20th century

Balinese handcrafted sculpture in carved and hand-painted wood, depicting Dewi Sinta (or Sita), the famous heroine of the Hindu epic Ramayana.
In Bali's traditional craftsmanship, Indonesia, these figures are typically made in pairs together with her consort, the prince Rama, as a symbol of love, harmony, and protection for the home.
Main features

• Iconography and posture. The figure is portrayed with hands joined at the chest in the traditional gesture of greeting and prayer (Anjali Mudra). On the head she wears the elaborate Balinese ceremonial headdress (gelungan) with the distinctive dark rounded hairstyle on top, an element that distinguishes her from the male figure of Rama (who wears a pointed crown).
• Material and craftsmanship. It is carved from a single block of light wood (often albesia or suar, typical of Indonesian carving) and finished with polychrome paints in an antique or shabby effect, with gold detailing on the crown, jewelry, and the folds of the garment.
• Intended use. These statues are designed as decorative wall or tabletop elements (often sold on a small base or with a hook on the back) for spaces in ethnic or boho-chic style.