Devotional sculpture of Bhairava, the terrifying aspect of the god Shiva - Maharashtra, India - 18th - 19th century

Beautiful representation of the head of Bhairava, the hieratic form of the god Shiva, made in disposable wax bronze casting. The long sinuous whiskers outline the wide open mouth and the open jaws show the tongue and curved fangs. A crown of tongues of fire surrounds his head. These figures were carried on long poles during ritual ceremonies in order to ward off evil spirits.