This 10th c. sandstone relief depicts the Hindu goddess Kali – the Goddess of time, destruction, sexuality, salvation, and protection. She has a horrifying image – bloody fangs, belt of human hands, necklace of skulls, with eyes bright red and skin blue or black. This appearance would have represented a completely uncontained female, something wholly antithetical to the male-dominated aristocracy of much of Ancient Indian history. In one myth associated with her, Kali’s fury on the battlefield drove her out of control. She went from destroying evil forces to threatening to annihilate all of creation. She was only calmed down by her consort Shiva, who threw himself in front of her to be either her next victim or to shock her out of her bloodlust. However, sometimes the story is told that Shiva lies in front of Kali to receive her grace. His face is frequently depicted in a pacific expression as he lies on the ground, sometimes with an enormous erection.
