3613986 Shiva Nataraja, Lord of Dance, c.11th century (copper) by Indian School (11th century); 68.3x56.5 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA; (add.info.: Chola Period (880-1279) Shiva as Nataraja (King of Dancers) in anandatandava pose encircled by a halo of fire, as both the creator and destroyer of the world. Beneath his foot is a dwarf symbolizing ignorance (apasmara purusha). He holds the damaru drum (first sounds of creation) and agni fire (that will destroy the universe). He makes the abhayamudra gesture (that allays fear). Richly decorated bronze figures of Hindu gods were carried in procession on feast days with poles inserted through the rings on the base.); Indian, out of copyright.