Temple of Siva, Hullabeed. Thirteenth century before 1869

The Temple of Siva at Hullabeed, photographed by Dr. Neil, showcases thirteenth-century sculpted decorations on the south-west front of the Southern Vimana. The temple is made from an indurated pot-stone of volcanic origin. This stone is said to be soft when first quarried, which makes it easy to cut, but it hardens when exposed to the atmosphere. Looking at the photograph, consider the labor involved in extracting, transporting, and carving this stone. The stone’s relative softness when first extracted would have allowed for the creation of the minute details that still appear clear and sharp, even after six centuries of exposure to a tropical climate. This enduring quality of the stone is remarkable, and it speaks to the skill of the artisans who worked with it. Considering the material, the processes involved, and the social context in which the temple was created, we can appreciate the full meaning of the artwork and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.