A copper alloy figure of Uma Maheshvara
Tamil Nadu, 13th century
Standing in an elegant tribhanga (trice bent) posture on a large stepped pedestal, Shiva holds a battle axe and a (now missing) axe in his upper hands, while the lower hands embrace Parvati at her shoulder and his lower right hand forms the abhayamudra, the gesture of fearlessness. Parvati, with her right hand raised, holds the stem of a water lily while her left arm is pendant. Heavily ornamented, each figure wears earrings, necklaces, finely detailed dhotis, bracelets and anklets. There is a circular nimbus behind each of their heads, and a jaynopavita runs diagonally across their bodies. 14 7/8 in. (37.5 cm.) high
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