Siva at The Guimet Museum, Paris

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This granite head was discovered in Cambodia, its origins unclear. Crafted circa the 12th Century in the Bayon Style (1180-1230), it reflects a period where Buddhist art reached its peak and Buddhist themes dominated, with Hindu legends still represented. This style is characterized by monumental aesthetics, marked by a clear return to realism. Shiva ("The Auspicious One"), also known as Mahadeva ("Great God"), is one of the primary deities of Hinduism. He is the supreme god within Shaivism, one of the three most influential denominations in contemporary Hinduism. Shiva is one of the five primary forms of God in the Smarta tradition and "the Destroyer" or "the Transformer" among the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity of the primary aspects of the divine. At its highest level, Shiva is regarded as limitless, transcendent, unchanging, and formless. Shiva also exhibits many benevolent and fearsome forms. In his benevolent aspects, he is depicted as an omniscient Yogi who lives an ascetic life on Mount Kailash, as well as a householder with wife Parvati and their two children, Ganesha and Kartikeya. In his fierce aspects, he is often depicted slaying demons. Shiva is also regarded as the patron god of yoga and arts. The main iconographical attributes of Shiva include the third eye on his forehead, the snake Vasuki around his neck, the crescent moon adorning his head, the holy river Ganga flowing from his matted hair, the trishula as his weapon, and the damaru as his musical instrument. Shiva is usually worshiped in the aniconic form of Lingam. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access. Scan the World is an open-source, community effort. If you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.