Shiva as Lord of Dance

Today we are going to be looking at artwork from India. This piece is Shiva as Lord of Dance. It is truly a brilliant piece of art. This piece combines in just one single image the roles of creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe. It also shows the Indian concept of never-ending time. Also, Shiva is dancing inside a flaming halo. It is truly an incredible piece of art. It holds so much in just a single image. In the sculpture every little detail means something. The hand and foot placement each have meaning. The god is holding his upper right hand up holding a hand drum. The hand drum represents the first sound of creation. The left hand is holding the fire that will destroy the universe. The right foot is trampling a figure, and this is the illusion that leads humankind astray. This brilliant piece holds such a large concept.

- Sydney Cruse