S e c r e t s

Shiva represents authority over demonic forms and is a bringer of calm and peace. His plaited hair holds the flowing Ganges River, and he wears a headpiece with a crescent moon badge, representing renewal. A serpent coiled around his neck symbolizes Shiva’s mastery of the spiritual forces within him and his ability to overcome death. Beneath the snake, you can see some of the 108 beads of the Rudraksha necklace, the elements used in the world’s creation. Shiva’s weapon is a trident: the prongs standing for will, action and knowledge. He has four arms. The hand near his head blesses and awakens wisdom. The second holds a ‘kamandalu’, a gourd of nectar, symbolizing the bliss attained though meditation (look at Shiva’s half-closed eyes to see that he is meditating all the while). The third hand grasps the trident, leaving the fourth to hold a disc which represents the endless wheel of time. Shiva sits on a tiger skin, depicting the cruelity of nature over which he is master. The skin is draped over the back of Nandi, Shiva’s faithful bull. Within this box figurine you will see a half-open Third Eye, symbolizing spiritual awakening and the destruction of evil. Sculptor Ann Richmond has incorporated three additional secrets. Under Nandi’s right front leg is the inscription 08/05/06 and Kula. The fab English band with Indian influences, Kula Shaker, recently reformed and Ann was privileged to attend their intimate performance in Bristol. Below Nandi’s back leg is a birthday wish for Ann’s friend, Rita. And Ann’s cheeky hare, Rufus, can be seen peeking out from Nandi’s collar.