The great goddess Kali is one of the major deities in the Hindu pantheon. She is worshipped all over India and Nepal in multiple schools and traditions. According to a 6th century CE Hindu mythological sacred text known as Devi Mahatmyam, Kali was born in a moment of intense crisis. The goddess Durga, in herself already a very fierce manifestation of the Great Mother Goddess Shakti/Parvati, manifested her rage in the personification of Kali to destroy the demons Madhu and Kaitabha (‘chaos’ and ‘ignorance’), who threatened the world. Without hesitating, Kali leaped into battle and easily destroyed the demons.
At first glance, her figure might appear quite a complex and confusing one, with her being worshipped in such a wide variety of characters. From a terrifying, fierceful warrior to a loving, nurturing mother. From a goddess of time, death and destruction to a protector and guide on the path to enlightenment.
And yet, of course, if you look deeper into it, all these aspects are ultimately related to each other. Kali is the ultimate embodiment of the Divine Feminine. She is everything at once, the boundless energy of the universe and the primal force of nature. She teaches about being fearless in confronting and overcoming our attachments, fears and obstacles, thus leading the ones devoted to her to transcend the limitations of our ego and find profound spiritual transformation.
This impressive wooden Kali mask comes from Nepal. Sizes are approximately 46 centimeters high and 38 centimeters wide. Being from vintage origin, it shows some signs of its age and previous usage. As can be seen on the detail pictures, on top of the head there has once been a crack in the wood, which has been fixed (a long time ago already) with a metal staple.
On the back the remnants of an export seal from the Nepalese Bureau of Cultural Relics can be seen, indicating the authenticity and heritage of this item.
