India – A Tradition of Gods and Avatars
The South East Asia and Indian tradition of worship has for many many millennium been tolerant and adaptive.
The Hindu religion, arguably the oldest and now third largest religion, has been quoted as having 330 million God’s, however the core foundation is based on the triple deity of supreme divinity.
Brahma (the creator) Vishnu (the preserver) and shiva (the destroyer) are known as the Trimurti. Each deity is depicted in the pantheon as avatars, associated with the primary source of the deity avatars are feature in the Vedas.
Below is a 12-15th century grey stone Shiva Steele.
Mounted on a later stand this figural carving depicts a central Multi arm deity flanked by guardian beasts.
These carved Steele are often worked to be viewed from below.
The delicate omnipresent smile implies celestial all-knowing divinity.
Good examples are delicately and Finley carved they retain the sublime and elegance of a celestial deity.
These are often reproduced, for an appraisal of value please feel free to contact Robert Waterhouse at PKR Antiques 5614203943 or
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