BronzeIndia, 19th centuryDimensions: Height 25 cm by 21 cmWeight: 1.496 gramsAnother depiction of Lord Shiva's cosmic dance, standing on a lotus flower base on a rectangular platform. He is standing with the right foot on the prostrate dwarf Apasmara purusha (standing for spiritual ignorance) which must be subdued but not killed, as it would lead to attainment of knowledge without the necessary effort. The left foot is lifted and pointed at with Shiva's left hand and according to various historical texts can either symbolize the refuge for troubled souls or liberation and release in contrast to the grip of the right foot. The right hand with the coiled snake around the arm shows the abhaya mudra, the raised right hand is holding the ritual drum, the left raised hand is holding the fire agni. A scarf is billowing around the deity's body and the holy river Ganges is depicted by the strands expanding from the back of his head. The expression is stern and a crown with the seven-headed serpent Naga as protective shield sits on the head. The lord of dance is surrounded by a fiery aureole.