Parvati Statue - Antique Baphuon Style Khmer Stone Parvati Head Statue - 57cm/23"

Antique Baphuon Style Khmer Stone Parvati Head Statue - 57cm/23"

Measures (Height) 57cm/23"

An antique Baphuon style Cambodian Parvati. The power emanating from this compelling image of Parvati characterises the Baphuon style.

Historically, Parvati has had significant influence in Cambodia. Especially, during the pre-Angkor Baphuon period. It is important to understand Parvati's role in Hinduism.

Parvati is the goddess of fertility, love, beauty, and devotion, and the wife of Shiva, one of the principal deities of the Hindu pantheon. As the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya, she embodies nurturing, care, and the powerful maternal force. However, Parvati is also associated with the fierce aspect of the divine feminine and is revered as Shakti, or the dynamic energy of the universe.

In her various forms, Parvati can appear as the gentle and benevolent goddess, or as her fierce and warlike manifestations such as Durga and Kali. This complex duality of nurturing yet powerful aspects made her an essential figure in Hindu mythology and worship.

In the pre-Angkor Baphuon period, Parvati was regarded as the embodiment of Shakti, the feminine power that complements and energizes Shiva’s masculine, ascetic force. The union of Shiva and Parvati represented the harmonious balance between opposing forces—creation and destruction, asceticism and sensuality, and spiritual devotion and worldly life. For the Khmer, this balance was not just a theological concept but a political and social symbol.

Here, as is typical with the Baphuon style Parvati has a soft face with minimal adornments. Parvati embodies authority with her iconic downcast gaze and large serene face. The general silhouette is heavier. 

The carving is beautiful as you can see in the fine details of the face. Each detail is rendered perfectly.

The features suggest the prana, or inner breath, that signifies serene power. The figure is presented in its unrepaired condition as found, elegantly modelled from a solid block of sandstone.

As with images from this period, the ornamentation reflects a perfect mastery of sculpting and fluidity. Facial features of the statue retain characteristics of the previous Banteay Srei style, but appear more delicate. The deity is masterfully modelled in realistic human form.

The face appears typically Khmer, with a serene expression, incised almond-shaped eyes, connected eyebrows above a well-shaped broad nose, wide plump mouth and elongated, bejewelled earlobes. Typical of the period, no tiaras or other jewellery, decorate the sculpture. The hair is drawn onto the top of the head to form a bulb shaped-chignon, held in place by a worked gold chain or a garland of flowers. This is characteristic of the Baphuon style.

In the pre-Angkor Khmer Empire, Parvati played an essential role as a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and divine femininity. Her association with Shiva and her embodiment of Shakti made her a powerful figure in both religious and royal contexts.

Through her worship, Khmer kings and queens sought divine legitimacy, while everyday people turned to her for blessings in childbirth, agriculture, and daily life.

Parvati’s influence extended beyond religious devotion, shaping the artistic and cultural landscape of the Khmer Empire, as seen in the temples, statues, and reliefs that honor her to this day. Her lasting legacy as a nurturing yet powerful goddess continues to resonate in the religious traditions of Southeast Asia.

This traditional in appearance piece is sure to add a unique touch to any room of your home or workplace. One of the most recognizable of the Asian deities this representation of Shiva is sure to enlighten your home with endlessly timeless style.

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