Figure

About this object

History of use

For use in a small temple or household.

Cultural context

daily worship

Iconographic meaning

Male represents Shiva as Gangadhara with the Ganges River descending into his hair. Female is his consort Parvati, holding her lotus symbol; Shiva holds his symbolic trident.

Physical description

Male and female seated beside one another on a round pedestal on a high rectangular base. Small figure is entwined in the hair of the male. Female holds lotus in hand on left; male holds trident in upper arm to left. Both wear conical head pieces.