Photographer: Arthur Llewellyn Basham2019-10-152019-10-15circa 1970IM-14428http://hdl.handle.net/1885/176032Representations of serpent-genii or Nagas occur in association with other divine persons symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and earthly wealth. Serpent gods personify the life energy which is beneficent but blind until the way of the Ada [sic] Buddha has been found. As in the present example, the attributes of intense devotion refer to how to obtain enlightened understanding as found in deep meditations. The Nagas are embodiments of the powers of earthbound life worshiping the release earned by the strictest asceticism. Characterizing the style of this sculpture from Pala are the long tubular limbs of the Naga, which are almost too elegant to believe and the great emphasis on jewelry, detailing and background material: here provided by the multi-headed hood of serpents behind the Naga. -- London, British Museum.35mmmounted transparencyb&wsepiaimage/tiffen-AUBengal & Bihar-- Sculpture - Bengal & Bihar - Hindu etc.stone sculptureslide set2019-10-15This item is provided for research purposes. Contact the Australian National University Archives at butlin.archives@anu.edu.au for permission to use.