Cleveland Museum of Art

Head of Male Deity, possibly Aiyanar

Date

600–650

Medium

sandstone

Culture

Central Thailand, Phetchabun province, possibly Si Thep

Department

Indian and Southeast Asian Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

The dreadlocks suggest that this figure is related to the Hindu god Shiva, and the sensitive rendering of the facial features indicates that it was carved during the early phase of stone sculpture production in Thailand. A more complete sculpture of another male figure with dreadlocks and youthful features is known from Thailand and shows him seated with one knee up, supported by a yoga strap. In South India, a deity of this description is worshiped as a guardian on the outskirts of villages on the banks of ponds and reservoirs, known as Aiyanar, which means "Lord" in the Tamil language. Alternatively, this figure could be an ascetic, or follower of Shiva. This figure may depict a deity who protects travelers on their way.

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