Shiva, Hindu God of Music and Dance - Pasadena, CA
Posted by: 
Metro2
N 34° 08.783 W 118° 09.526
11S E 393171 N 3778993
This sculpture of the Hindu God depicts him playing some type of string instrument.
Waymark Code: WMHC9Q
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 06/22/2013
Views: 3
Located in the Norton Simon Museum, that Museum's website (
visit link) informs us:
"Shiva as Lord of Dance and Music, 11th century
India: Orissa, 1000-1099
Sandstone
45 x 17 x 10 in. (114.3 x 43.2 x 25.4 cm)
The Norton Simon Foundation
F.1975.17.49.S
© 2012 The Norton Simon Foundation
On view
Carved in deep relief, the figure of Shiva is depicted dancing on a pyramid of five heads with sunken eyes placed upon a lotus base. Five heads or skulls play an important role in esoteric tantric practices. While representations of Shiva as the cosmic dancer are common, this extraordinary sculpture is unique for both its iconography and style."