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Iconographic Meaning

Vertical third eye and three white horizontal stripes on forehead are characteristic of Shiva, as are the crescent moon, trident, and leopard skin; cobra around his neck; hair wound at top; flow of yogic power that springs like a fountain from a small head in his hair; the hour-glass-shaped drum in his left hand, scimitar in his right. He is dancing with consort, Uma, against the background of the Himalayas.

Cultural Context

calendar art; popular religious art

History Of Use

Indian popular religious prints have been published for nearly a century, first by German presses, latterly by Indian ones. The prints may take the form of calendars, posters, or simply images. The style of the representations is European. In the beginning they were Hindu images, but are now acquiring elements both of folk art and a romantic secularism. It is a living art currently influenced by the movie industry and non-Hindu religions. The images are a vehicle for advertising and are also used for religious worship.

Description

Rectangular calendar print depicting Shiva, a four-armed male, dancing with Sita. Woman is crouched down with folded right leg, outstretched left leg, and upward-stretched right arm. She is wearing pink pants and a necklace of flowers. Shiva is wearing a green dhoti, a leopard skin around his waist and snakes around his neck and arms. He is holding a gold triad, a conch and a small blue drum. His hair is adorned with a crescent moon, small head spouting a white fountain, and a cobra. There are white mountain peaks in background on a blue sky. Label in upper left corner states: 'Lion Brand Umbrella Mfg. Co., high class umbrella manufacturers, Madurai'.