Ganesha
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Ganesha
- Date: ca. 1700–1750
- Culture: Southern India, Tamil Nadu, probably Thanjavur district
- Medium: Wood with cloth and polychrome
- Dimensions: H. (on stand) 34 1/4 in. (87 cm); W. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm); D. 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift and The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Foundation Fund, 2015
- Object Number: 2015.255.5a–c
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Southern India, Tamil Nadu, probably Thanjavur district
ca. 1700–1750
India (Tamil Nadu)
late 17th–early 18th century
India, Deccan, Aurangabad (?)
late 18th century
Southern India, Tamil Nadu, probably Thanjavur district
ca. 1700–1750
Southern India, Tamil Nadu, probably Thanjavur district
ca. 1700–1750
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