Face of the Bhairava

1809–1810

Bhairava 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.

Copper with traces of gilding and ritual accretions

6 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. (17.15 x 6.35 cm)

L.: 7 1/2 in.

Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection

69.143

Now on view at the Asian Art Museum

Resources

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

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