BronzeIndia, Orissa, 19th century Dimensions: Height 11 cm by 10 cmWeight: 179,1 gramsA bronze figure of Durga slaying the Buffalo Demon (Mahisasuramardini), Bengal or Orissa, the multi-armed goddess holding various weapons, stabbing him with the trident. The special characteristic of this bronze is the lined pattern covering the base and body parts of each creature, giving it a very distinctive look. In her most important manifestation, the Hindu Goddess is known as Durga. Generally, she is depicted in combat with a demi-god called Mahishasura, which also means „buffalo demon“. The basic iconography is similar to that of the Iranian deity Mithra destroying the bull and symbolises the triumph of good over evil, or truth over falsehood.