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The Goddess Durga Slaying the Buffalo Demon (Mahishasura Mardini)

ca. 11th century
Not on view
Durga slays Mahisha, who emerges in his anthropomorphic form, one foot still in the neck of the decapitated buffalo and the other in the mouth of Durga’s lion. Her army of followers is suggested by the small sword-wielding female warriors that bracket her feet.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Goddess Durga Slaying the Buffalo Demon (Mahishasura Mardini)
  • Period: Pala period
  • Date: ca. 11th century
  • Culture: India (Bihar)
  • Medium: Black schist
  • Dimensions: H. 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm); W. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm); D. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of The New York Herald, 1891
  • Object Number: 91.21
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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