India, Kerala, 1600s
Siva (chariot panel)
Teak
17 x 10 x 4 inches
Gift of the Jaipaul Family, 2001.
2001.022.013

This carving is from Kerala, the state on the southwest coast of India. In South India the Hindu god Siva is often represented carrying an ax (parasu) and antelope in two of his hands. Other features that identify this figure as Siva are the third eye in his forehead and his formalized arrangement of knotted hair (jatamukuta). Panels such as this one adorned the chariots that carried sacred sculptures in processions around temples during religious festivals.