The use of sculpture on temples, shrines, and outer walls is a way to express the creative energy of the culture that created it. It was a way for people to connect with their Gods, and to have them look down on them as they went about their daily lives.

Sculptures on ceilings are often meant to represent deities. They can be found in many different cultures, but are most common in Hinduism.

Sculptures with different types of materials were used by many different cultures. In some cultures, the statues were made from stone or wood; in others, they were made from bronze or gold.