Durga Killing the Buffalo Demon (Durga Mahisasuramardini), 12th–13th century, gilt copper alloy; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2005.16.11 (HAR 65433)
A conversation with Dr. Elena Pakhoutova, Senior Curator, Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art and Dr. Beth Harris
Durga is a fierce warrior goddess in Hinduism, whose worship is widespread in the Kathmandu Valley, especially during the fall harvest when Durga rituals abound. The Rubin’s Senior Curator Dr. Elena Pakhoutova and Smarthistory’s Dr. Beth Harris illuminate the story of Durga killing the demigod Mahisha depicted in a dynamic gilded sculpture.
The Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art has teamed up with Smarthistory to bring you an ‘up-close’ look at select objects from the Rubin’s preeminent collection of Himalayan art. Featuring conversations with senior curators and close-looking at art, this video series is an accessible introduction to the art and material culture of the Tibetan, Himalayan, and Inner Asian regions. Learn about the living traditions and art-making practices of the Himalayas from the past to today.
Learn more about Durga on Project Himalayan Art, a resource from the Rubin for learning about Himalayan, Tibetan, and Inner Asian art and cultures:
● Learn more about Hindu goddesses in essay by Kerry Lucinda Brown: https://rubinmuseum.org/projecthimalayanart/essays/siddhi-lakshmi-purnachandi/
● Watch sculptors and craftspeople of Patan, Nepal, create metal sculptures of Goddess Tara in the same traditional technique of lost-wax metal casting: https://rubinmuseum.org/projecthimalayanart/exhibition/materials-and-technologies/casting-and-shaping-metal/process-of-lost-wax-metal-casting/
● Explore how goddesses represent female power in religious traditions of Himalayan cultural regions: https://rubinmuseum.org/female-power-in-the-himalayas/
About the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
The Rubin is a global museum dedicated to presenting Himalayan art and its insights through exhibitions, participatory experiences, a dynamic digital platform, and partnerships. Inspired and informed by Himalayan art, the Rubin invites people to contemplate the human experience and deepen connections with the world around them in order to expand awareness, enhance well-being, and cultivate compassion.
View the Himalayan Art Up Close series: / playlist
Subscribe to the Rubin Museum YouTube channel: / @rubinmuseum
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