This photograph shows the engravings of the ruins of the Javanese-Hindu shrine, the Candi Shiva, the largest of the three main temples within the complex of the Candi Prambanan, a Borobudur associated site built in the 9th century. The motifs on the exterior of the Hindu temple are distinctly Javanese, even though the temples follow the Indian architectural model. The engravings show followers seated in groups of three around the enthroned Hindu deities. One can also spot a trio of Hindu heavenly nymphs dancing within the niches in the projecting parts of the wall. This photograph is part of a portfolio containing an extensive photographic survey detailing the Candi Prambanan. It was compiled by Dr. Isaac Groneman, a Dutch scholar of Javanese history and culture. He was assisted by pioneer Indonesian photographer Kassian Cephas, who was responsible for the pictorial documentation during the excavation of the site from 1889 to 1890.
