Untitled

Unknown

ca. 1700–1750 · Wood with cloth and polychrome · Asian Art

Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, does not have a role in the Hiranyakashipu story, but his presence on stage brings auspiciousness to the event. He appears before all such performances to ensure their success and provides a prelude to the main narrative. The articulated trunk and ears (now lost) would have given the actor who wore this mask a lively and endearing stage presence.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1700–1750

Medium

Wood with cloth and polychrome

Culture

Southern India, Tamil Nadu, probably Thanjavur district

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift and The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Foundation Fund, 2015