Durga Killing the Buffalo Demon

anonymous, c. 1000 - c. 1100

The fight between the Hindu goddess Durga and the demon is described in various Sanskrit texts, which are well known to Hindus. The demon could change shape. He first appeared as a buffalo and was beheaded by Durga; the buffalo’s decapitated head can be seen lying on the ground. When the demon assumed human form, the goddess killed him again, this time using a trident.

  • Artwork typefigure
  • Object numberAK-RAK-1992-1
  • Dimensionsheight 87.5 cm x width 37 cm x depth 12 cm
  • Physical characteristicsstone

Stories

Strong Goddess

Beating the demons

Durga Killing the Buffalo Demon

Identification

  • Title(s)

    Durga Killing the Buffalo Demon

  • Object type

  • Object number

    AK-RAK-1992-1

  • Description

    Sculptuur van Durga Mahishasuramardini (Durga, die de buffeldemon doodt), van steen.

Creation

  • Creation

    • anonymous, Bangladesh
    • anonymous, West-Bengalen (possibly)

  • Dating

    c. 1000 - c. 1100

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  • School / Style

Material and technique

  • Physical description

    stone

  • Dimensions

    height 87.5 cm x width 37 cm x depth 12 cm

This work is about

  • Subject

Acquisition and rights

Documentation

    • A.A. Slaczka, The Iconography of the Hindu Deities in the Devyamata, an Early Saiva pratisthatantra, in: L. Sudyka [red.], Interrelations of Indian Literature and Arts, Krakow 2011, p. 181-261.
    • E. Haque, Bengal Sculptures : Hindu Iconography up to c. 1250 A.D., Dhaka 1992, . 237-253, fig. 196-205.
    • Y. Yokochi, The Rise of the Warriors Goddess in Ancient India : A study of the Myth Cycle of Kausiki-Vindyavasini in the Skandapurana, s.l. 2005.
    • Inzoomer object op zaal, 2013 (Nederlands/English).
    • Anna Slaczka, 'Straks weer te zien in het Rijksmuseum : Godin die de Buffeldemon doodt', Aziatische Kunst 41 (2011) nr. 3, p. 18-20.

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