Figure, of Camunda

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This black chlorite figure of the Hindu Goddess Camunda, dates to the Pala period of the 9th and 10th centuries, and comes from North East India.

Carved in black chlorite, this figure of the Hindu Goddess Camunda is represented as an eight-armed female figure ornamented with a garland of skulls and seated on her 'vehicle' - a male corpse.

Camunda is one of the terrifying manifestations of the Goddess Devi. Here we see her on the corpse of a male figure. Her appearance is wretched with emaciated features. Her attributes in the wildly gesticulating arms include a dagger, a mace and a drum. She also holds a human head emphasising her gruesome nature.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-000-556-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1956.574
• Date: 9th - 10th century
  9th or 10th Century
  
• Material: Chlorite, black
  Figure / group / goddess / Mahakali / corpse / Siva
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Figure / group / goddess / Mahakali / corpse / Siva
  
• Subject: Metal figures
  
• Who: Mahakali
  Siva
  
• Where: India, North East India
  
• Event:
• Description: Figure carved in black chlorite of Mahakali, eight-armed, ornamented with a garland of skulls and standing on the corpse of her husband Siva: North East Indian, Pala period, 9th - 10th century
  
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