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| Shiva as Lord of the Dance (Shiva Nataraja) |
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| India, Tamil Nadu; Chola period (880-1279), 12th century |
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| Copper alloy |
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| H. 29 1/4 in. (74.3 cm) |
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| Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art |
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| 1979.029 |
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| The Hindu god Shiva Nataraja's limbs, hair, and sashes fan outward from his torso like spokes in a wheel, with the center at his navel. This complex pose shows the perfect control Shiva possesses as he destroys the universe with fire held in his upper left hand and recreates the universe in a dance to the beat of a drum held in his upper right hand. Shiva's two lower hands show the salvation that is inherent in his dance: his lower right hand is held in the gesture of reassurance and his lower left hand points to his lifted foot to signify that his activities are intended to provide deliverance for the worshipper. Shiva Nataraja may have been an emblem for kingly aspirations as his dancing posture evokes the successful warrior, a role that was one of the Chola kings' highest ideals. |
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