Bronze Hindu 8.5" Shiva as Lord of the Dance Sculpture c.1930
ABOUT
This is an original bronze metal Hindu statue of Shiva as "Lord of the Dance" or "Nataraja"—nata meaning dance or performance, and raja meaning king or lord. It is a sacred object that represents all things coming to a natural end so they can begin anew. The piece has retained its original bronze finish and is in excellent condition with appropriate patina for its age.
- CREATOR Unknown, Southern India
- DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1930 - 1950
- MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Cast bronze.
- CONDITION Excellent. Wear consistent with age and use.
- DIMENSIONS H 8.5 in. x W 7.25 in. x D 2 in.
HISTORY
Shiva is frozen in the moment of his dance within the cosmic circle of fire that is the simultaneous and continuous creation and destruction of the universe. His hair, the long hair of the yogi, streams out across the space within the halo of fire that constitutes the universe.
In his upper right hand he holds a drum whose beats syncopate the act of creation and the passage of time. His lower right palm is raised in a gesture that says, “Be not afraid, for those who follow the path of righteousness will have my blessing.”
In his upper left hand he holds the flame of destruction that annihilates all the sounds that have been drummed into existence. Shiva’s right foot stands upon the huddled dwarf, the demon Apasmara, the embodiment of ignorance.
