Terracotta art in Bengal dates back thousands of years and is revered for its complex craftsmanship and cultural significance. These sculptures are crafted through a meticulous process that includes the careful preparation of riverbed clay, hand-moulding and assembling of intricate forms, slow drying under the sun to prevent cracks, detailed carving using traditional tools, and controlled kiln firing to achieve their signature durability and a reddish, earthy hue.

Departing from the usual portrayal of the Indian deities as supreme and powerful figures, this work of art by Kumbhakar reimagines the Goddess as a familiar maternal presence, surrounded by her children. Inspired by the regional folklore which depicts Goddess Durga as a mother visiting her ancestral home (the earth) each year with her sons and daughters, Kumbhakar brings the divine family to life through impressive clay detailing. This piece is a tribute to the ten days of festive fervour, marking Maa (Mother) Durga’s annual arrival on earth – a yearly festivity, that has been recognised by UNESCO as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” in 2021.