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Brahma-Shiva
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In the Hindu pantheon Brahma is in charge of carrying out the work of creation. In this tour-de-force of South Indian temple sculpture, he is in a special regal aspect, with the only elements of his typical priestly appearance being the prayer beads and the matted dreadlocks piled on his head. <br><br>Four arms connote superhuman power, and four heads convey the idea that his creative activities spread in all four directions. His upper right hand enjoins freedom from fear, and the lower holds a lotus bud associated with birth and the process of creation. His lowered left hand is held in the gift-giving gesture, suggestive of the gift of creation he will bestow upon the world.
| Artist / Maker | South India, Tamil Nadu, Chola dynasty, late 10th – early 11th century |
|---|---|
| Date | 900s |
| Culture / Origin | South India, Tamil Nadu, Chola dynasty, late 10th - early 11th century |
| Medium | granite |
| Dimensions | Overall: 162.6 x 48 cm (64 x 18 7/8 in.) |
| Department | Indian and Southeast Asian Art |
| Type | Sculpture |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
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