Shiva

late 20th century - early 21st century

This shadow puppet of Shiva is a Togalu Gombeyatta puppet, a shadow puppet tradition of Karnataka, India. It translates to the dance of leather puppets, with ‘Togalu’ meaning leather, ‘Gombe’ meaning a doll or a puppet and ‘atta’ meaning dance.

Shiva, one of the holy trinity in the Hindu Pantheon, is portrayed sitting on Nandi (bull). He is dressed as a warrior, contrasting with his characteristic ascetic appearance.

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Title
Shiva
Period
late 20th century - early 21st century
Artist
Unidentified
Style
Togalu Gombeyatta
Medium
Vegetable and poster colour on animal hide
Dimensions
H: 24.5 cm x W: 38 cm
Accession No.
2017.44.24