Shiva and Parvati on Mt. Kailash

3D Model

This relief likely hanged from a small resthouse in the Himalayas in the 16th century. Objects like this were believed to bring good fortune, and the favor of the pantheon of Hindu gods.

You can see a pretty rich mythological narrative here, and it is important to remember, devotees of Hinduism in this region believe that Shiva, Parvati, and their entourage live on top of Mount Kailash. Mount Kailash is the source of legends, myths, and odd speculation. From a public policy fordidding alpinists to climb the cone-shaped mountain, to claims by “ancient astronaut theorists” that Kailash is a ancient nuclear power plant. It also happens to be the birthplace of Hinduism, Budhism, Jainsim, and Bon.

This is a piece from the Brooklyn Museum’s “Art’s of the Himalayas” exhibition. It was made in Nepal in 1588. And measures 27 × 16 3/4 × 6 in. (68.6 × 42.5 × 15.2 cm).