Arkivism
Male Fertility Divinity, Possibly Shiva
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Male Fertility Divinity, Possibly Shiva

c. 120–200 CE · terracotta

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

This figure combines an unusual set of attributes. He has long dreadlocks over his shoulders, like an ascetic, and he holds a water pot, like a Brahmin or naga (serpent deity). Also, he seems to carry a sword and dagger like a warrior and is ithyphallic, indicating his virility and fecundity. He may best be identified as a local divinity worshipped for purposes of increasing fertility, but he could also be recognized as an early form of the Hindu god Shiva.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineMale Fertility Divinity, Possibly Shiva, c. 120–200 CE. Northern India, possibly Mathura, Kushan period. Terracotta; overall: 17.3 cm (6 13/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund, 1986.71

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