Shiva

Art Historical Context

This striking sandstone sculpture of Shiva, created in the mid-7th century, offers a window into the rich Hindu traditions that flourished in Southeast Asia long before the rise of the Angkor Empire. Standing 24 inches tall, the figure hails from southern Cambodia or Vietnam during the pre-Angkor period, a time when Indian cultural and religious influences shaped local art and society. Carved from durable sandstone, it reflects the skill of unknown artisans who adapted techniques to create enduring devotional images for temples and shrines. As a representation of Shiva—one of Hinduism’s princ...