Nepal, especially the Kathmandu Valley, is renowned for its wooden temples with multitiered pagoda roofs supported by prominent angled figural brackets (tudal) similar to Greek caryatids. The brackets typically have three sections: Capital, in the form of a blossoming tree connecting the strut to the roof; Center, representation of a Hindu or Buddhist deity; Base, often with stylized rocks and/or a lotus base with the deity’s mount (vahana), a dwarf demigod, or a demon being subdued.
This bracket depicts the Hindu goddess Maheshvari (from Mahesvara or Shiva). She is one of the Mother Goddesses (matrikas) who are the female creative aspects (shaktis) of the Hindu gods. As such, they share attributes and mounts (vahana) with their male namesakes. They can vary in number and identity, but the most common groupings are the Seven or Eight Mother Goddesses (Sapta or Ashta Matrikas). Here, Maheshvari is crowned and profusely ornamented, including a long garland of severed skulls (mundamala). She has four arms. Her two principal hands hold a skull cup (kapala) and display the gesture of exposition (vitarka mudra). The upper right hand holds a rosary (akshamala), while the upper left hand carries a trident (trishula). The goddess is performing the charming (lalita) dance posture standing on back of her bull mount on her right leg with her left leg raised. See also M.86.184 and M.86.248.1.