Among all the other sculptures in the human civilization, stone sculptures are the most ancient and natural sculptures. The unmatched talent and immense power of imagination of our sculptors are revealed through the collection of different sculptures displayed at folklore museum. Sculptures are used to be worshipped as a physical manifestation of invisible spirits as well for expressing the creativity and talent of folklore people. Miniature statues of men and animals belonging to remote antiquity are placed here, throwing light on the arts and crafts of a bygone Dravidian period. The major styles reflected in Indian carvings include Maurya, the Gandhara, the Gupta, the Chalukya, the Chola, the Vijayanagar, and the like. The rich and diverse cultures are reflected in the creation of these sculptures. Folklore museum exhibits the sculpture of a very beautiful nair lady in a single piece of wood who lived 150 years back. Her lover made this sculpture in a single piece of wood without any joints. A wide collection of tribal arts showcasing a vibrant culture and Ministers of tanjore Maharaja made of wood of 19th century are among the main other attractions of the museum.
The richness of wood carvings of ancient India is revealed in these sculptures. Each region in India has its own style of carving which gives a glimpse to our golden past. Sculptures of Devadasis once known for their scholarship and wisdom represent the golden age of south India during which the art and music flourished.Sculptures are important tool for interpreting socio-economic changes occurring at the macro and micro levels in the social sphere. Further it gives an interesting insight into the socio-religious transformation occurring in a specific regional and cultural context. Elegant sculptures of Gopika’s, the worshipers of Lord Krishna are among whom the youthful Krishna lived. Each girl thought that he loved her only. The Gopikas are often depicted in the form of dancing .This idyllic sculptures denote the abstract relation of the deity to his devotees, and also signifies that the incarnate God can be all things to all beings.
Sculptures are truly representative of a bygone era and the people and customs of that period. These sculptures very in their craftsmanship in turn with the cultural backgrounds. Some of them are richly ornate, while others focus on anatomical features of the human body. This sculptures may be the prototypes of some ancient beauties.A few of them are painted in natural colours. Colours also play to a part in symbolism, and denote the three gunas, which when variously combined, determine the characteristic quality of every person and thing.These sculptures were meant to symbolize the social structure and the man-woman relationships of the past. From time immemorial, women mainly assumed charge of domestic responsibilities like care and protection of the children. This sculptures are different from icons. In that the icons give importance to gesturers representing Beejakshara’s of manthra while sculptures highlight the beauty of human body in various posters.
The Jaine statue dating back to 18th century points at the influence of Jainism on south India.Many Jaina, statues have backgrounds formed by snakes and trees, which probably denote a very ancient non-Aryan serpent cult combined with the worship of trees and rivers.Naga in Indian mythology a general term for quasi divine beings. It is believed that serpents, guard the mineral wealth of the earth.They are courageous, quick and violent, as well as being endowed with superhuman power, potency, skill and wisdom.
There is a 19th century life size statue of the Nair lady from Kottayam, throws light on the marital relationships of feudal Kerala. Married to a Nambuthiri as his second wife she survives in the form of this statue made by her loving husband.
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