A Guardian of Shiva

Cleveland Museum of Art

The sculpture depicts a standing figure with four arms, adorned with intricate jewelry and ornate headdress. The figure stands on a base, with two smaller figures positioned at the bottom. The central figure holds objects in each hand, with the top two hands grasping what appears to be decorative items and the bottom two hands positioned near the body. The figure wears a long skirt and multiple necklaces, with a prominent forehead marking. A large, pointed arch shape is behind the figure, featuring intricate carvings. Two smaller faces are visible on either side of the figure's head, near the top of the arch. The overall appearance suggests a stone or metal sculpture with a gray color. The background is dark at the top and lightens towards the bottom. The title of the work is "A Guardian of Shiva".