BronzeIndia, 19th centuryDimensions: 37 cm by 30 cmWeight: 5.775 gramsShiva is a principal deity of Hinduism and Nataraja is the depiction of Shiva as the divine dancer and often a symbol of Indian culture and a popular motive in Hindu art. The translation is "lord/king of the dance". Here it is a rectangular, multi-stepped hollow base with various decorations topped by a round beaded rim. The God of Destruction is trampling on the dwarf called Apasmara purusha, symbol of evil and ignorance, the left leg is tilted up in an ecstatic movement. His right hand to the front is showing the abhaya mudra, gesture of fearlessness and has a snake curled around the arm, while the other hand is pointing at the left foot and symbolizes the refuge for troubled ones. The right raised hand is holding his attribute the damaru drum and the left hand is holding the fire agni, the forces of creation and destruction. The strands expanding from the back of his hand signify the river Ganga. The cosmic dance is set in a three-banded halo of floral decorations, waves and flames. Shiva is wearing a high crown, a short dhoti and jewellery on his whole body. The smiling face shows his calmness in spite of his energetic dance amid contrary forces.