Shiva
Figure
circa 10th century (made)
circa 10th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This brass relief represents the Hindu god Shiva as Mahadeva (in the form of a great god). It is one of a rare group of ritual masks identified in the Chamba, Kulu and Sutlej valley regions of Himachal Pradesh, India. These masks were installed on portable shrines that were carried in procession during religious festivals.
The raised facial features have been worn smooth by devotional use. However, considerable cast and engraved detailing remains elsewhere. The pupils of the eyes are inset with a silver alloy, probably electrum. The mask is richly decorated with a crown dominated by a nine-petalled flower and with tassles at either side. Shiva's symbol - a crescent moon - is set in his hair. Similar flowers appear above the ears and the earlobes carry large circular earrings with a six-lobed design. On the chest there is a double chain necklace with a centrepiece container for an amulet (a charm to ward off evil).
The raised facial features have been worn smooth by devotional use. However, considerable cast and engraved detailing remains elsewhere. The pupils of the eyes are inset with a silver alloy, probably electrum. The mask is richly decorated with a crown dominated by a nine-petalled flower and with tassles at either side. Shiva's symbol - a crescent moon - is set in his hair. Similar flowers appear above the ears and the earlobes carry large circular earrings with a six-lobed design. On the chest there is a double chain necklace with a centrepiece container for an amulet (a charm to ward off evil).
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Shiva |
| Materials and techniques | Brass with silver electrum inlay |
| Brief description | Shiva Mahadeva, brass with silver inlay, Sutlej Valley, Himachal Pradesh, north India, circa 10th century |
| Physical description | Shiva as Mahadeva cast in high relief. The raised features are worn smooth whilst considerable cast and engraved detailing remains elsewhere. The pupils of the eyes are inset with a silver alloy, probably electrum. The bust is richly adorned, and he wears a crown dominated by a nine petalled flower with tassles at either side. A crescent moon is set on the upper left. Similar flowers appear above the ears and the accentuated earlobes carry large circular earrings with a six-lobed design. A double chain necklace with an amulet container centrepiece and debased palmette design fixtures adorn the chest. The profile of the shoulders extend to meet the crown, bordered with a serrated design. This cast relief is one of a rare group of ritual masks identified in the Chamba, Kulu and Sutlej valley regions of Himachal Pradesh. These masks (mohras) were installed on portable shrines during relious festivals. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label |
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| Object history | Purchased from David Tremayne Limited, 320 Kings Road, London SW3 5UH |
| Production | Sutlej Valley, Himachal Pradesh, north India |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This brass relief represents the Hindu god Shiva as Mahadeva (in the form of a great god). It is one of a rare group of ritual masks identified in the Chamba, Kulu and Sutlej valley regions of Himachal Pradesh, India. These masks were installed on portable shrines that were carried in procession during religious festivals. The raised facial features have been worn smooth by devotional use. However, considerable cast and engraved detailing remains elsewhere. The pupils of the eyes are inset with a silver alloy, probably electrum. The mask is richly decorated with a crown dominated by a nine-petalled flower and with tassles at either side. Shiva's symbol - a crescent moon - is set in his hair. Similar flowers appear above the ears and the earlobes carry large circular earrings with a six-lobed design. On the chest there is a double chain necklace with a centrepiece container for an amulet (a charm to ward off evil). |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | IS.115-1985 |
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| Record created | September 5, 2002 |
| Record URL |
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