Dancing Shiva, Hindu divinity

Chola kingdom
India, Tamil Nadu
950–1000
Bronze
Louvre Abu Dhabi
LAD 2009.023| 83 x 47.5 x 24.5 cm

Shiva, who is both terrible and benevolent, is a major figure in the Hindu pantheon and is depicted here in his best-known form as the “Lord of the Dance”. He beats out the rhythm of the destruction of the world at the end of each cosmic era on his tambourine, protecting his followers and heralding the beginning of a new cycle.