Buddha Statue Antique Laos ca.1920-40

Buddha Statue Antique Laos ca.1920-40 Origin is the Laos border with Northern Thailand area and collected in Laos 20 years ago. This hand carved figure displays abstract and minimalist features and form in a folk art style of carving classically known as "Laos Style". Patina is a medium dark burnished color and shows minor traces of lacquer over wood. The Buddha Eyes have been repainted as of the figure's last use. The figure shows signs of long term use, care and age. Approx. 10 1/2" tall The Buddha is seated in the "Calling Earth to Witness the Defeat of Evil" Posture. With fingers slightly touching the ground, this position represents the Subduing of Mara the Evil One. The demon Mara in Buddhism is sometimes called Kama-Mara which means desire and death and has parallels with Greek mythology as well as psychology in Eros-Thanatos. Mara assaulted and bombarded The Buddha with demons, monsters, violent storms and finally the three seductive daughters. In some accounts of The Buddha's Enlightenment, it is said that the demon Māra didn't send his three daughters to tempt but instead they came willingly after Māra's set back in his endeavor to eliminate the Buddha's quest for enlightenment. Mara's three daughters are identified as Taṇhā (Craving), Arati (Aversion/Discontentment), and Raga (Attachment/Desire/Greed/Passion). Remaining steadfast in His Meditation, The Buddha touched the earth and called the Earth Goddess, Mae Thorani to Witness to the Strength of His Meditation and Achievement of Enlightenment. Rising from the ground, the Earth Goddess Mae Thorani wrings powerful streams of water from her long black hair. By this action, She raises a torrential flood that drowns Mara and his army of demons.