Indian Hilt Showing Durga Slaying the Demon Mahishasura

Sword Handle with Scenes of the Goddess Durga Slaying the Buffalo Demon Mahishasura
Period: early Malla period
Date: 13th–14th century
Culture: Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
Medium: Copper alloy
Dimensions: H. 7 in. (17.8 cm)
Classification: Metalwork
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Uzi Zucker, 1982
Accession Number: 1982.471.3

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.

Source: www.metmuseum.org/