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Head of Male Deity, possibly Aiyanar

first half of 7th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
This head probably belonged to a seated Aiyanar, a minor deity revered in India as a protector of travelers and the night guardian of reservoirs. He is worshipped at dedicated shrines on the periphery of villages in proximity to ponds. It might be assumed that he had similar responsibilities in Southeast Asia, though his name is not recorded anywhere. This head shares facial features, captured with unprecedented sensitivity, with the seated Aiyanar (cat. no. 103), and they are likely the products of the same workshop.

cat. no. 104

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Head of Male Deity, possibly Aiyanar
  • Date: first half of 7th century
  • Culture: Central Thailand
  • Medium: Sandstone
  • Dimensions: H. 10 1/4 in. (26.1 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Lent by The Cleveland Museum of Art, John L. Severance Fund (1970.11)
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art