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MADE IN INDIA.

Lord Ganesha

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$337.50

$450

25% off

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Specifications

	EH70
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 17.5 inch
	Width: 9.5 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 2.90 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.

Auspicious Beginnings: Bringing Home the Remover of Obstacles

Invite the blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune into your life with this exquisitely hand-carved wooden statue. Representing one of the most beloved deities in the Hindu pantheon, this depiction embodies the essence of a cultural icon known throughout India and beyond. Crafted in the time-honored tradition of South Indian temple art, this carving is rich in detail, promising to be a beautiful addition to your home.

The Elephant-Headed God: Mythology and Significance

The deity represented here is instantly recognizable. Known by many names – Ganapati, Vinayaka, and more – he is revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. His blessings are sought at the beginning of any new endeavor, from starting a business to embarking on a journey. According to legend, the elephant head was bestowed upon him under varying circumstances depending on which of the Puranas you consult. One popular narrative recounts how his mother, Parvati, created him from the turmeric paste she used for bathing, and tasked him with guarding the entrance while she bathed. When Shiva returned home and was barred from entering, a fierce battle ensued, and Shiva, unaware of his son's identity, severed his head. Parvati was inconsolable, and Shiva, filled with remorse, promised to restore him to life. He sent his ganas (attendants) to bring back the head of the first living being they encountered facing north. They returned with the head of an elephant, which was then grafted onto Ganesha's body, thus giving him his unique form. His iconography is also deeply symbolic. The large ears are said to signify that he listens to the prayers of all. His trunk is used to both destroy obstacles and gently lift those who seek assistance. The modak (sweet dumpling) he often holds in his hand symbolizes the sweetness of realized knowledge, and the broken tusk represents sacrifice.

South Indian Craftsmanship: A Legacy of Devotion

This statue showcases the exceptional skill of South Indian artisans, known for their deep-rooted connection to temple traditions. The intricate carvings, the carefully considered proportions, and the overall aesthetic are all influenced by the devotional art that adorns the ancient temples of the region. Each curve and contour is meticulously carved, demonstrating a mastery of woodworking techniques passed down through generations. The use of wood as a medium is symbolic in itself, representing the earth, stability, and longevity. The statue is 17.5 inches in height, 9.5 inches in width and 4.0 inches in depth.

A Timeless Piece: Bringing Culture to Your Home

More than just a decorative object, this carving is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the timeless beauty of traditional craftsmanship. Whether you are a devotee, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking to add a touch of spiritual grace to your living space, this statue will serve as a reminder of the importance of wisdom, perseverance, and auspicious beginnings.

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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