Head of Siva, Angkor Wat style, bronze, early 12th century, Cambodia

Although this head, with its distinctive vertical third eye can be identified with Siva, such features are also shared by images of Harihara (a syncretic form combining the features of Siva and Visnu). Unlike the Pre-Angkorian representations which display the features of Siva and Visnu on opposite sides of the body (compare the stone head of Harihara on display - IS 32-1988) sculptures of the Angkorian period show Siva's marking on the head while holding the attributes of Visnu in the hands.

Given by David Knight

Formally in the collection of Gilbert Beatty of Palm Beach, Tanjong Kling, Malacca, Malaysia. According to the acquisition papers in the V&A archive, Beatty (also spelt Beattie) had built up his collection in the pre-war years. In the late 1950s, when Beaty was in his late 70s, he became good friends with his neighbours the Knight family, the father of the family being based in Malaysia as a member of the British armed forces. In 1960 he gave much of his collection to one of the Knight children, David, who had developed a real interest in Cambodian and Thai art despite his young age. The objects were shipped back to Britain with the rest of the family's possessions later the same year. Between 1991 and 1993 David Knight donated or sold the collection to the V&A. Knight died in June 1993.

Cambodia

IS.180-1991