Ganesha
9th c.
Found in Jambi, South Sumatera
Size: h. 20 cm
Museum Ref: 534a

In Indonesian statues and paintings, the elephant-headed god, Ganesha, is usually seated with the soles of his feet together, holding a bowl of sweets in his left hand. In this example, he is depicted according to East Indian traditions, with his right leg hanging down, his foot resting on a lotus pad and a bowl of sweets in his lower right hand. The sacred thread of caste cord (upavita) falls from his left shoulder to emerge behind his left ear in the shape of a snake's head. His mount, the rat, is positioned in front of his right foot. According to Hindu beliefs, Ganesha is the son of Shiva and his consort, Parvati, and he is revered in Indonesia as the God of Trade, the God of Learning and the Remover of Obstacles.