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Ganesha

12th century
Not on view
The potbellied, elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha, son of Shiva and Parvati, is venerated throughout India. He is believed to bestow success and abundance through his removal of obstacles. Before any important task is begun, an offering is made to Ganesha. His origins are probably tribal, and his elephant head may derive from masks used in rites of passage. Here, his upper left hand holds a lasso; the upper right, a battle-ax; the lower left, a sweet; and the lower right, one of his own tusks, which he broke off in a fit of anger and hurled at the moon

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ganesha
  • Period: Chola period
  • Date: 12th century
  • Culture: India, Tamil Nadu
  • Medium: Copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 25 1/2 in (64.8 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
  • Object Number: 2015.500.4.12
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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