Indian and Himalayan Art Shiva Playing the Lute Made in Calcutta (present-day Kolkata), West Bengal, India, Asiac. 1875-90 Artist/maker unknown, India Watercolor on paper Currently not on view 1969-231-8 Gift of Stella Kramrisch, 1969 |
LabelShiva is a Hindu god whose conduct is often outside the norms of society. He is wild, solitary, and nonconformist, considered by many to be the supreme ascetic. As such, Shiva is usually depicted with uncombed hair tied to the top of his head, a tiger skin wrap, rosary beads, and snakes to accentuate his unconventional nature. Devotees of Shiva are more likely to become ascetics because their god serves as an incomparable role model for life at the fringe. |
