Granite sculpture representing Nandi, the sacred bull, faithful mount and guardian of the god Shiva. The animal is shown reclining, its body stocky and its head erect, wearing a stylised collar around its neck. The forms are deliberately simplified, in a traditional votive style, with an ancient patina due to the passage of time. This type of representation was placed at the entrance to or inside Shiva temples, serving as an object of veneration and spiritual protection. 16th century, India. Dimensions : Length: 28 cm. Width: 13 cm. Height : 24 cm.