Ganesha
Origin: Central Indian
Date: 11th to 12th century
Medium: Sandstone
Gift of Clara T. and Gilbert J. Yager in honor of Dr. Charles Morrow and his wife, Mary Morrow
85.2.1

This medieval stele of the Hindu god Ganesha is carved in relief from sandstone. It is the amiable Ganesha who devotees invoke before an important undertaking and petition to remove barriers in life. Just as earthly elephants are capable of knocking down trees, the powerful god Ganesha clears obstacles from one's path and assures safe passage into the future. Here the six-armed elephant-headed god is depicted in a lively pose, dancing and holding a goad, axe, pineapple and a bowl of sweet balls (ladoos). He has daintily selected morsels from the bowl with his trunk and one of his right hands. Believers enjoy his very human, sensual nature and offer him sweets on festival days. Accompanying Ganesha (at the sculpture's lower left) is a tiny mouse which, despite its small size, serves occasionally as his steed.