Stele with the representation of Vishnu, Northeast India, Pala period, 12th century. Black stone. Measures: 104 x 51,5 x 22 cm. Indian stele dated to the 12th century, carved in relief in black stone with the representation of the god Vishnu standing in sampada as omnipotent deity, with four arms (none of them preserved). Although they have not reached our days, the deity would hold his four attributes, among them the disc, the conch, the mace and the lotus. From his waist hangs a fluted dhoti attached to the waist with a jeweled belt, adorned with elaborate jewels. Vishnu is crowned with a tall conical headdress, flanked on either side by Bhudevi, who would hold the lotus, and Shridevi, who plays the vina, surrounded by roundels representing the ten avatars of Vishnu and crowned at the top with a kirttimukha. Vishnu is part of the Hindu Trimurti, together with Brahma (the Creator) and Shiva (the Destroyer). Vishnu is the Preserver god, and is identified with goodness. This god is most famously identified with his avatars, especially Rama and Krishna. He is usually represented as a being of human form and blue skin, and usually appears crowned and dressed in an orange skirt. The Pala dynasty, Pala Empire or Pala Kingdom was an ancient state of Bengal and the area of present-day Bihar, whose existence spanned from the 8th to the 12th century. Dimensions 104 x 51,5 x 22 cm.