Ganesha, The Elephant God

Ganesha is known to Hindus as the remover of obstacles and is often invoked at the initiation of new projects or at the entrance to temples. His blessing brings good fortune and insures prosperity

Several legends explain in different ways the presence of an elephant's head on a man's body and suggest that Ganesha represents the survival of a pre-Hindu folk cult. As these tales were absorbed into developing Hindu mythologies, Ganesha came to be seen as the son of the god Shiva and his consort Parvati.

South India, Mysore region, 13th century
Chloride schist
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler, S87.0960