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Shiva as Lord of Dance (Shiva Nataraja)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The bronze statue depicts Shiva Nataraja, the Hindu god Shiva as the Lord of Dance. The figure has four arms and is dancing on one leg. The right leg is bent and raised behind. The left leg is standing on a small figure. Two arms are extended to the sides, while the upper right arm holds an object and the upper left arm has a long wavy line. The figure wears a tall crown and a necklace. The figure is surrounded by a ring with 18 outward projections and a small figure at the base. The background is grey.

Artwork details

Date:
late 12th–early 13th century
Medium:
Copper alloy
Culture:
India, Tamil Nadu
Dimensions:
469 × 625 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette