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Head of Harihara

early 7th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Syncretism is a favored device in Indian cosmologies for representing the complex and multifaceted personalities of the gods. The oldest archaeological evidence of this practice are sculptures from Kushana-era Mathura (late 1st–3rd century), northern India, depicting Shiva combined with his female aspect, Parvati, as the androgynous Ardhanarishvara. Vishnu (Hari) combined with Shiva (Hara) appeared later in India, in the fifth century during the Gupta period, and is explained mythically as Shiva representing the male half of the universe and Vishnu, in his female aspect as Mohini, representing the female element. Harihara is born of their sexual union.

cat. no. 91

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Head of Harihara
  • Date: early 7th century
  • Culture: Southern Cambodia
  • Medium: Sandstone
  • Dimensions: H. 17 5/16 in. (44 cm); W. 10 1/4 in. (26 cm); D. 13 3/8 in. (34 cm); Wt. 164 lbs (74.4 kg)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Lent by Musée National des Arts Asiatiques–Guimet, Paris (MG14899)
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art