Bronze Figure of Shiva

Shiva is one of the principle deities of Hinduism. He is viewed as the supreme deity.

In images, he is generally represented as immersed in deep meditation or dancing the Tandava upon the demon of ignorance in his manifestation as Natarja, the lord of the dance.

Some of the attributes of Shiva are visible on this sculpture. He is garlanded with a snake, and he carries the trident, which is his particular weapon. In one hand, he holds a small drum shaped like an hourglass. This is one of the attributes of Shiva in his famous dancing representation. He also bears on his head the crescent of the moon, a symbol often seen on Shiva imagery. The deity’s distinctive hairstyle is noted in the epithets Jatin, and Kapardin. A Kaparsa is more generally hair that is shaggy or curly. Shiva is often depicted with a third eye with which he burned Desire (Kama) to ashes.

Although the disposition of the eight arms and attributes is complex and evokes action, the torso and face of the figure is marked by simplicity and calm.

The headed figure of Shiva, his legs raised high and arms thrust in the air, captures the inventive and playful nature of Indian sculpture.