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Male Fertility Divinity, Possibly Shiva
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This figure combines an unusual set of attributes. He has long dreadlocks over his shoulders, like an ascetic, and he holds a water pot, like a Brahmin or <em>naga</em> (serpent deity). Also, he seems to carry a sword and dagger like a warrior and is ithyphallic, indicating his virility and fecundity. He may best be identified as a local divinity worshipped for purposes of increasing fertility, but he could also be recognized as an early form of the Hindu god Shiva.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Kushan period |
|---|---|
| Date | c. 120–200 CE |
| Culture / Origin | Northern India, possibly Mathura, Kushan period |
| Medium | terracotta |
| Dimensions | Overall: 17.3 cm (6 13/16 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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