The ideal "wife", or female "energy", of a god in Hindu religion is described as being "half the man", and has female strength that complements his power. In this instance the representation of Parvati, the consort of Shiva, as Durga the Powerful, is no exception. Durga fights many a heroic battle for Siva in the Puranic legends and her portrayal as a mighty female warrior is one of the most dynamic depictions in Hindu art. Here the bronze Durga stands poised for battle, holding in her four arms the weapons lent her by Siva for the epic struggle. Her feminine body is adorned with a headdress, necklace and bracelets and a richly detailed belt. The triumphant goddess has an assertive energy while at the same time suggests a feminine softness, entirely appropriate to the conception of this complex deity. The Kmer culture of Cambodia produced works of art, such as this Bronze Hindu deity, that demonstrate a boldness of form that at the same time appears delicate and sensuous. A dichotomy of emotive elements in this masterpiece touches the complexities of our own inner being. - (FZ.291)

Antiquities
Ancient Asian