2nd-4th century AD. A schist figure of Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war, dressed in suit of armour, holding a rooster on his left arm and resting the hand on the hilt of his sword, the right hand once holding a long spear or staff; youthful face, elongated ears, wearing elaborate headdress and earrings, halo behind. 9.2 kg, 43cm (17"). From the private collection of Professor Z Butt, London, in the 1970s. Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, Skanda, Kumara and Subrahmanya, was the son of Parvati and Shiva, particularly popular and predominantly worshipped in South India, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. He is sometimes depicted with six heads reflecting the legend surrounding his birth. Fine condition.