DANCING SHIVA Bronze India , Chola period 13th century Dimensions: Height 14 cm ; Wide 11 cm ; Depth 4 cm Weight: 394 grams This bronze shows Shiva in Nataraja pose, Shiva as the divine dancer. The lotus petals are incorporated into a rectangular plinth and a fiery arch emerging from two stylized makara mouths surrounds him. He is dancing on demon Apasmara, his body shaped in an energetic dance. Strands reaching from his hair symbolize the holy river Ganges. In his lifted hands he is holding a small drum in hour-glass shape called damaru, and agni, the fire signifying forces of creation and destruction. Even though the deity is in midst a battle of forces, his smiling face represents the calmness in his cosmic dance.