Nandi, which means "giving delight or giving joy" is the sacred bull of the Hindu God Shiva. Nandi is Shiva's animal form, his means of transportation , ad his most ardent worshiper. taken from google... This piece is hand carved from wood. I think that it is an older piece since there are some seperations in the wood. You can see this in the photos on the left side of the nose...A newer more secure hanger was added?you can still see where the original wires were used. Hand painted...Looks old...there is some loss of paint... Vibrant colors...Hanger on the back...