Eight armed Durga slaying the demon Mahisha. Dieng Plateau, Wonosobo district, Central Java province 9th- 10th century Possibly 1864 - 1867

This photograph captures a stone sculpture made in Central Java between the 9th and 10th centuries. It depicts the eight-armed Durga slaying the demon Mahisha. The sculpture's composition is dominated by the imposing figure of Durga, whose multiple arms fan out to fill the frame, creating a sense of dynamic power. The texture of the stone, revealed through the play of light and shadow, adds depth to the image. Durga's stance atop the buffalo demon is a study in contrasts – her upright, victorious posture against the demon's subdued form. This juxtaposition is not merely representational; it embodies a complex interplay of cultural codes where strength confronts submission. The artist masterfully uses the sculpture's form to convey movement and narrative, destabilizing any singular interpretation and inviting ongoing engagement with its rich symbolism.