Sword Handle with Scenes of the Goddess Durga Slaying the Buffalo Demon Mahishasura

Nepal, Kathmandu Valley

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 252

The detailed elaboration of the Mahisashuramardini scene on this blade fitting, complete with a garland of severed heads arrayed on the curve of the guard, suggests that this weapon was intended for ritual animal sacrifices. The same composition appears on both sides of the hilt. Traces of the iron blade (now missing) are preserved in the hilt.

Sword Handle with Scenes of the Goddess Durga Slaying the Buffalo Demon Mahishasura, Copper alloy, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Sword Handle with Scenes of the Goddess Durga Slaying the Buffalo Demon Mahishasura, Copper alloy, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
Sword Handle with Scenes of the Goddess Durga Slaying the Buffalo Demon Mahishasura, Copper alloy, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.