Altar with Durga (three separate parts)
Karnataka
18th–19th century
H. 14 cm
Price on request.

It is a small but richly decorated altar with a statue of Durga at its center. What is striking is the number of mythological animals surrounding the goddess: a large kirtimukha mask at the top, two makaras on either side of her head, six parrots on the lower sides, and the bull Nandi at the center of the base. The altar consists of three parts: the base, the statue, and the halo. Enlarge the photo and notice the precision of every detail, carved with the same care as a grand altar intended for a sanctuary.