Central Thailand, Phetchabun province, possibly Si Thep / 600–650
Head of Male Deity, possibly Aiyanar
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Head of Male Deity, possibly Aiyanar as sculpture (Central Thailand, Phetchabun province, possibly Si Thep · 600–650).
This figure may depict a deity who protects travelers on their way.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this sculpture as sandstone.
The museum's collection notes: The dreadlocks suggest that this figure is related to the Hindu god Shiva, and the sensitive rendering of the facial features indicates that it was carved during the early phase of stone sculpture production in Thailand. A more complete sculpture of another male figure with dreadlocks and youthful features is known from Thailand and shows him seated with one knee up, supported by a yoga strap. In South India, a deity of this description is worshiped as a guardian on the outskirts of villages on the banks of ponds and reservoirs, known as Aiyanar, which means "Lord" in the Tamil language. Alternatively, this figure could be an ascetic, or foll
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtHead of Male Deity, possibly AiyanarOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.