Parvati or A Female Form of Shiva

Parvati, sometimes called Uma, is a Hindu goddess and the daughter of Himavat, the embodiment of the Himalayan Mountains. She is also the consort of Shiva, one of Hinduism’s most important gods. In this sculpture her role as Shiva’s wife was emphasized by including many visual references to the god. In her left hand she holds Shiva’s primary attribute, a trident; like Shiva she bears a third eye on her forehead and has his snakes and a crescent moon in her hair; and she is seated on Shiva’s bull mount, Nandi.

This small sculpture is an excellent example of early metalwork from the northwestern Indian area of Kashmir. It includes many characteristic features of that art, including eyes of silver inlay; an inset chin; a small waist and fleshy abdomen; a linear, pointed, flaming halo; a plain geometric base; and the depiction of a small worshiper on the side of that base.