Untitled
Unknown
12th century · Copper alloy · Asian Art
On festival days during the Chola period in south India, cast metal images of Hindu deities were carried in procession outside the temple precincts. This potbellied representation of Ganesha would most likely have accompanied a dancing image of his father, Shiva. Two of his hands grasp a lasso and a battle axe, symbols of his role as a rescuer and protector. His other two hands hold a sweet and one of his own tusks, which he broke off in a fit of anger.
- Artist
- Unknown
- Date
- 12th century
- Medium
- Copper alloy
- Culture
- India, Tamil Nadu
- Department
- Asian Art
- Credit line
- Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
