Medieval · Cleveland Museum of Art · 2007.155
Brahma-Shiva
Unknown maker, 900s
Cleveland Museum of Art · Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund, this work was accepted in honor of Stanislaw Czuma in recognition of his long service to the CMA · Public domain
- Artist
- Unknown maker
- Date
- 900s
- Medium
- granite
- Dimensions
- Overall: 162.6 x 48 cm (64 x 18 7/8 in.)
- Era
- Medieval
Why it matters
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. 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.