Face of the Bhairava

Date1809–1810

Label TextBhairava looks like a monster with his three bulging eyes, fangs, flamelike hair, and jewelry made of skulls and snakes. But he is really a fierce form of the Hindu god Shiva, who uses his anger to save the world from evil. Bhairava is especially popular in Nepal, where both Hindus and Buddhists honor him as the protector of their capital city, Kathmandu.

Object number69.143

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing.

Credit LineNasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection

Dimensions6 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. (17.15 x 6.35 cm) L.: 7 1/2 in.

MediumCopper with traces of gilding and ritual accretions