Artwork Page for Head of a Follower of Shiva

Details / Information for Head of a Follower of Shiva

Head of a Follower of Shiva

900s

Cambodia, Angkor, 10th century

Medium
sandstone
Measurements
Overall: 25 x 18 x 16 cm (9 13/16 x 7 1/16 x 6 5/16 in.); Block: 13 x 14 x 12 cm (5 1/8 x 5 1/2 x 4 3/4 in.)
Weight: 14 kg (30.86 lbs.)
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Norman Zaworski in honor of Dr. Stanislaw Czuma 2012.294
Public Domain
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Location
244 Indian and Southeast Asian
Print
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Did You Know?

The third eye on the forehead is a symbol of enlightenment.

Description

Khmer patrons and artists produced works of art that could depict either a deified king or a god who has royal attributes. The Khmer cult of the god-king allowed for such fluidity of interpretation. Presence of a third eye in the forehead and matted locks of hair are attributes both of the Hindu god Shiva and the followers who emulated him in order to get closer to him.
A gray sandstone sculpture depicts the head of a figure facing forward. Their full lips curve slightly upward, and downcast eyes sit beneath thick, ridged eyebrows. The hair is carved with fine vertical grooves, gathered into a raised, rectangular bun at the crown. Long, damaged earlobes frame the face. The dark stone surface shows signs of pitting and wear, with a small chip at the tip of the nose.

Head of a Follower of Shiva

900s

Cambodia, Angkor, 10th century

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