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Aiyanar

Central Thailand

first half of the 7th century

Not on view

This princely figure seated at ease, supported by a meditation strap, likely represents the minor Hindu god Aiyanar (“lord,” in Tamil). Aiyanar emerged as a non-Vedic cult figure in southern India as early as the third century, when he was worshipped as a village guardian. He was perhaps a huntsman who, over time, was deified, first as a local hero (vira), then, with the gradual Sanskritization of southern India, as a secondary deity closely aligned with Shiva. He wears long dreadlocks in the manner of Shiva. The upper torso is rendered with uncanny naturalism.

cat. no. 103

Aiyanar, Sandstone, Central Thailand — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Aiyanar

Date: first half of the 7th century

Culture: Central Thailand

Medium: Sandstone

Dimensions: H. 26 7/8 in. (68.3 cm); W. 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm); D. 12 7/8 in. (32.7 cm); Wt. 185 lbs. (83.9 kg); Tenon/Tang: H. 19 1/8 in. (48.6 cm)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.73

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Asian Art at The Met

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