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| Shiva |
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| Cambodia; Angkor period (802-1431), Baphuon style, 11th century |
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| H. 41 in. (104.1 cm) |
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| Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art |
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| 1979.064 |
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| This four-armed representation of the Hindu god Shiva, identified by the diamond-shaped third eye in the center of his forehead, has an intriguing history. Buddhist deities often carry an identifying attribute in their headdress and the apparently deliberate abrasions in the center of Shiva's headdress suggest this image was once Buddhist and was later recarved for Hindu use. The shape of the abraded image parallels that of a seated Buddha, so this image was probably once Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, who is usually depicted with a seated Amitabha Buddha in his headdress. The thickness of the sculpture's legs (and presumably the ankles) suggests that this was a freestanding sculpture that did not need additional support. The deep front scoop of Shiva's finely pleated sampot indicate that the figure was carved during the 11th century. |
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