The Hindu deity Durga

When the male Hindu gods could not overcome a rampaging demon, they pooled their strength and created the warrior goddess Durga. Each god then gave her his weapon, and Durga, after a gigantic battle, slew the demon.

Durga is shown here sitting on the lion she customarily rides. Her eight hands hold a sword, bow and arrows,  and other weapons.

Durga’s character is not simple. Though she is a furious and unstoppable warrior, here both her posture and facial expression suggest calm stillness. Though not usually associated with child-rearing, here she gently holds the arm of a toddler who will grow into the war god Skanda.

Compare the style of this early sculpture with that of  the later image of the related Hindu goddess Parvati behind you.