Durga Killing the Buffalo Demon; Nepal; 13th century; Gilt copper alloy; C2005.16.11 (HAR 65433)
I recently had the pleasure to work with the fifth grade at Hannah Senesh Community Day School during a Himalayan Art Encounter, a three-part museum-school partnership. As a part of a unit of study about India, we focused on the art of India and surrounding areas. Students looked at depictions of Hindu deities and their vahanas, or animal vehicles, and learned about lost-wax and repousse techniques used to create the metal sculptures at the museum. Students then considered what their vahana might be and created beautiful metal plaques depicting these real, imagined, and hybrid animals.
I look forward to working with the students again in the spring when they study China!
These are absolutely incredible works of art; I love the material connection. What kind of metal did you use for the project?