Satyavati and Shalya (Satyawati and Salya)

Here the handsome Arjuna flirts with Supraba, a heavenly nymph who will become his wife. The figures’ raised shoulders and angular poses are reminiscent of the postures of Balinese dancers. This statue depicts a scene from the Arjunawiwaha, a poem describing the exploits of Arjuna, one of the heroes of the Mahabharata epic. This text was very popular in Bali, as evidenced by abundant palm leaf manuscripts and painted images. This statue was made for the tourist market.