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Nirriti, deity of the southwest
Nirriti, deity of the southwest

Nirriti, deity of the southwest

Place of OriginRajasthan or Uttar Pradesh state, India
Dateapprox. 900-1000
MaterialsSandstone
DimensionsH. 29 1/2 in x W. 8 in x D. 9 in, H. 74.9 cm x W. 20.3 cm x D. 22.9 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB61S5+
DepartmentSouth Asian Art
ClassificationsSculpture
On View
On view
LocationGallery 3
More Information

The identity of this figure is not certain, but it probably represents Nirriti, the deity of the southwest. Nirriti is said to be frightening in appearance, and the drawn-up hair and entwining snakes of this figure are associated with frightening deities. Also, Nirriti is said to hold a sword and shield, as this figure does, and to have as his mount a donkey, which may what be the big-eared animal at the deity’s feet represents.

Hindu temples often had sculptures of the deities of the four cardinal (north, south, east, and, west) and four intercardinal (northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest) directions positioned on their exterior walls.

Subject
  • deity
  • serpent
  • snake
  • sword
  • shield
  • donkey