Unknown
Nandi, the Bull Mount of Shiva11th century, with later recutting

Not on view

Artist or Maker: Unknown
Title: Nandi, the Bull Mount of Shiva
Place Made: India, Tamil Nadu
Date Made: 11th century, with later recutting
Medium: Granite
Dimensions: 25 x 19 x 12 in. (63.5 x 48.26 x 30.48 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Norman I. Newman in appreciation of the ancient Indian artists
Accession Number: M.86.341
Classification: Sculpture
Collecting Area: South and Southeast Asian Art
Curatorial Notes: Nandi is the Brahman bull (vrisha) mount (vahana) of the Hindu god Shiva. In temples dedicated to Shiva, he is displayed in his own shrine in line with and facing the main sanctum. Originally, Nandi was zoo-anthropomorphic with the head of bull and four arms, and served as a door guardian (dvarapala) of Shiva’s abode on Mount Kailasha. Over time, Shiva’s bull mount came to be identified popularly as Nandi.

Nandi is seated peacefully with his front legs tucked underneath him. He wears a bridle, two chains of bells around his neck, and a saddle cloth on his back. See also M.85.159.1, M.87.272.10, M.91.179.2, and AC1996.213.2.
Selected Bibliography: El Universo de la India: Obras Maestras del Museo de Arte del Condado de Los Angeles. Santiago: Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda, 2012.