God of Fire, Agni India, Uttar Pradesh, 1100-1200s buff sandstone, 24 3/8inches (61.9 cm) high Gift of the Harold P. and Jane F. Ullman Collection 1973.83

The striated flames emanating from behind his head identify this sturdy figure as Agni, the God of Fire. Through sacrificial fire, offerings could be sent to the gods, thus making a connection between heaven to earth. Agni stands on a stylized lotus surrounded by adoring figures and holding a rosary and an ascetic’s water pot. His traditional vehicle is a goat, seen here by his right side in both human and animal form.


To India