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MADE IN INDIA.

Crawling Baby Ganesha

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$360.75

$481

25% off

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Specifications

	ZAF19
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 11 inch
	Width: 18 inch
	Depth: 9 inch
	Weight 3.23 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 40 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Benevolent Beginnings

Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, is one of Hinduism's most beloved deities. He is revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. But even this powerful and wise god has a story of beginnings, of childhood innocence and playful exploration. This wood carving beautifully captures that essence, presenting Ganesha as a child, in a moment of unburdened curiosity. Observe the intricate detail of the carving, a testament to the skilled artisans who create these sacred objects. The folds of skin around his trunk, the gentle curve of his tusk, and the careful rendering of his chubby form speak to a deep understanding of both the artistic process and the divine form. This isn't merely a statue; it's a devotional piece that invites contemplation and connects you to the rich mythology of Ganesha.

A Temple Tradition

This carving is a product of the South Indian temple tradition, a lineage of craftsmanship that has spanned centuries. The wood, carefully selected and skillfully worked, reflects the dedication and reverence that go into creating sacred objects. South Indian temples are renowned for their elaborate carvings, and this representation of Ganesha embodies that artistic heritage. The practice of carving deities into wood, stone and other materials has a long and rich history in South India, often integrated into temple architecture. These carvings not only serve as visual representations of the divine, but also function as powerful tools for meditation and worship. By owning this piece, you’re connecting with a living tradition, adding a tangible piece of history and faith to your home. The detailed embellishments around his neck and ankles suggest traditional jewelry that is common in depictions of Hindu deities, emphasizing the divine nature of this playful child. The lotus petal carving on the base is another classic South Indian motif, and is a further offering of purity.

Symbolism and Significance

The image of Ganesha is replete with symbolism. His large ears are said to signify his ability to listen to the prayers of his devotees, his trunk represents adaptability, and his large belly symbolizes acceptance and generosity. Even in this youthful form, these traits are subtly suggested. His stance, as he crawls, signifies beginnings, forward movement, and the overcoming of obstacles. It is a powerful reminder that even in our early stages, we are capable of great things. Bringing this sculpture into your home is an invitation to embrace new beginnings, to overcome challenges with grace and wisdom, and to celebrate the joy of childhood innocence.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.

2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.

3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.

4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.

How to care for Wood Statues?

Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.

Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster.

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