18th C Pair of Indian Bronzes Shiva Parvati as Hunters South India Tamil Nadu Metal Antique

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Pair Indian Bronzes South India (Tamil Nadu, Pandyan)
Pair Of Indian Bronzes, South India (Tamil Nadu, Pandyan) 16th-18th C. Folk … Read more Pair Indian Bronzes South India (Tamil Nadu, Pandyan)
Pair Of Indian Bronzes, South India (Tamil Nadu, Pandyan) 16th-18th C. Folk bronze tradition. Cast and formed by hand. Each Size: 9'' x 4'' x 2.5''. 10.5"
this pair of bronze statues depicts a rare and distinctive bronze representation of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati disguised as hunters, a manifestation known as Kiratamurti or Kirata Shiva and Parvati.
The pair represents a scene inspired by the Kiratarjuniya episode from the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. In this narrative, Lord Shiva and Parvati disguise themselves as Kiratas (tribal forest hunters) to test the devotion and warrior skills of Arjuna while he undergoes rigorous penance.
Unlike typical, highly stylized Chola-style royal deities, these unique antique bronzes emphasize their rustic, tribal disguises:
Shiva (Left): He is shown holding a hunting weapon or dagger in his right hand and a small drum (damaru) or shield-like attribute in his left. His hair is bound into an unusual textured, turban-like bun typical of a forest dweller rather than his classic divine jata-mukuta (matted crown).
Parvati (Right): She stands alongside him as the huntress, carrying a bow or traditional forest implement in her right hand (with her left arm partially broken or unformed). Her ornaments and headdress are designed to reflect a rustic, tribal aesthetic rather than royal courtly jewelry.
The sculptures are mounted on modern black presentation blocks for display, preserving their rich, authentic historic patina.
These distinct bronzes are excellent examples of regional tribal interpretations of classical Shaivite iconography often produced via the traditional South Indian lost-wax casting method See less