The Glamour Of Tribhanga Uma

A swaying sense of motion, a heightened awareness of deviroopa. This Swamimalai bronze conveys a universe of sensuousness and divinity. Handpicked from the recesses of the South, the home of the Indian bronze tradition, this sculpture captures as much of Devi Uma's beauty and presence as is humanely possible. She is tall and lissome, the characteristic tribhang (the spinal column of Her body breaks - 'bhang' - at three - 'tri' - places) of Her stance exuding elegance and stateliness. She is wife to none other than Shiva, and Her gaze onto the world is laced with fearlessness and wisdom. Note how well the sharp lines of Her shringar go with Her superbly defined proportions.

The iconography of Shiva's wife is replete in this independent Devi Uma composition. The crown that towers above Her head has been sculpted with superb detail, and adds to Her gorgeous stature. Her countenance and the features that grace it are full and lotus-like, a signature of contemporary Chola-style bronzes. Long, vine-like kundalas and a bunch of necklaces complement the dhoti of thin silk that reveals rather than conceals Her yogic musculature. The pedestal is an important aspect of Indian religious sculptures. This one comprises of multiple tiers of lotuses of downward ascending surface area. Indeed this work of superfine art is fit to be consecrated and housed in a temple in your space.