Bronze Figure of Shiva South Indian, Pallava-Chola transitional period, ca. A.D. 900. This is a benevolent form of the god (as Vinadhara Dakshinamurti) who is creator, protector and destroyer. His two lower hands are in the position of playing the vina (lute), the instrument he uses as teacher of initiations. In his two upper hands Shiva holds an axe and a deer, reminding us that he is also lord of the wilderness and the divine huntsman, the "Lord of Beasts," his second, or destructive, nature. This is an excellent example of bronze casting from the Pallava-Chola period. Height 26% inches. Purchased from the bequest of Charles M. Clark. 265