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

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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

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