VHO - The pair of Garuda statues slaying the serpent at Thap Mam is a magnificent testament to the fusion of artistic talent and philosophical depth of Champa culture. Discovered in 2011 at the Thap Mam site (An Nhon, Binh Dinh), this pair of statues was recognized as a National Treasure in 2017. Made of fine-grained silica stone and featuring meticulous carvings, the statues are not only an artistic heritage but also a meaningful mythological story, depicting the harmony between strength and opposition, between light and darkness.
Mythology and Art: An Enduring Symbol
In Brahmanical mythology, Garuda is a mythical bird, the king of all birds, and a symbol of light, power, and freedom. Garuda's arch-nemesis is the Naga – a serpent god representing darkness and primal power. Legend says Garuda avenged his mother by destroying the Naga, and later became the mount of the god Vishnu. The relationship between Garuda and Naga is not only a battle between good and evil, but also symbolizes balance in the universe.
The pair of statues depicting Garuda slaying the serpent vividly portrays Garuda subduing the Naga. Garuda stands upright, its wings spread wide as if wanting to pierce through space, its beak firmly gripping the serpent's body, its large, round eyes filled with determination. Below, the Naga is trampled by Garuda's foot, its body writhing but powerless. Every small detail, such as the lotus petals on the Kirita-mukuta headdress, the necklace, or the decorative beads, is meticulously carved, creating an astonishing balance and harmony.
The battle between light and darkness
The pair of statues not only depict a confrontation but also convey a profound philosophy about balance in nature. Garuda represents light and freedom, transcending all constraints, while Naga represents darkness and the latent power of nature. These two seemingly opposing elements complement each other, highlighting the "good and evil coexisting" philosophy in Champa culture.
Garuda, with its majestic appearance, represents liberation, affirming that light and justice will always prevail. Meanwhile, the image of Naga, though subdued, retains its gentle beauty, a reminder that darkness does not completely disappear, but always exists as an integral part of the cosmic balance. This contrast, when expressed in art, has become a magnificent harmony between form and content, between beauty and sublimity.
The unique features of Champa art: From form to detail.
The pair of Garuda statues slaying the serpent at Thap Mam is the pinnacle of Champa sculpture, showcasing masterful skill and meticulous attention to detail. The fine-grained silica stone not only provides durability but also allows artisans to clearly depict every line of the artwork. In particular, the stone's surface is meticulously treated, creating a soft feel despite its inherently hard nature.
Details such as the string of round beads, the lotus petals on the Kirita-mukuta hat, or the curves of the snake's wings and body all demonstrate meticulous attention to detail. These are not merely decorations but also symbolic meanings: the round beads evoke eternity, the lotus petals represent enlightenment, while the curves of the snake's body emphasize the softness and movement of nature.
Beyond their balanced forms, the pair of statues also create harmony between contrasting elements. Garuda's outstretched wings seem to break through the boundaries of space, while its sinuous body represents softness and flexibility. The combination of strength and grace, of authority and elegance, creates a work that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also possesses profound philosophical depth.
Cultural and spiritual values
The pair of Garuda statues slaying the serpent are not only an artistic achievement but also a cultural symbol with profound spiritual significance. In Champa culture, every detail on the statues was carved not only for aesthetic purposes but also to convey philosophical and religious values. Garuda and Naga are not just two mythological figures, but also represent the interplay between humanity and the universe, between existential life and the spiritual world .
Recognized as a National Treasure, this pair of statues is not only a heritage of Champa but also a source of pride for Vietnamese culture. Every detail, from the large forms to the small motifs, is a testament to the timeless creativity and thinking of Champa artisans. They not only depict a story but also serve as a reminder of harmony in nature and life.
An eternal message from stone.
The pair of Garuda statues slaying the serpent at Thap Mam is a work of art not only to admire but also to contemplate. Through the hands of Champa artisans, stone is no longer an inanimate object but becomes a dwelling place of mythology, a convergence of strength and harmony, of light and darkness.
The work not only tells the story of the battle between good and evil, but also conveys a message about balance and harmony in the universe. This is an enduring value, the very breath of Champa culture, and an unceasing source of inspiration for generations to come.
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/cap-tuong-garuda-diet-ran-thap-mam-115443.html
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