HG111

'Ganesha', the elephant-head deity, son of Shiva and Parvati. In Indian mythology, Ganesha is God of universal popularity among Hindus, an icon of luck and prosperity. He is revered as the Remover of Obstacles, a God of prudence and diplomacy, and one who eradicates danger. He is also regarded as a patron of arts and sciences, and deva of intellect and wisdom.

Ganesha emerged as a distinct deity in clearly-recognizable form in the 4th and 5th centuries, during the Gupta period. Ganesha was formally accepted as one of the five principal deities of Smartism (a Hindu denomination) by the 9th century, and was identified as the supreme deity during this period.

The multi-armed deity is depicted dancing, as an idol, with the body of a man and the head of an elephant, having only one tusk. Ganesha's large head is symbolic of the wisdom of the elephant and represents mans eternal striving towards intergration with nature.

His unique feature, besides the elephant head, is the large pot-belly practically falling over his lower garment. It signifies the bounty of nature and Ganesha swallowing the sorrows of the universe. On his belly is his sacred thread, coiled in the form of a cobra snake, the divine serpent 'Upavita'.

I do not know the age of this item. This item was sand cast in brass.  Check out my ebay store for many other cast bronze and brass items.   Be sure to add me to your favorites list! Buyer pays for shiping and handling $9.95 add $1.75 for insurance. To US only. Items will be shipped Priority or first class . Will make better package deal on shipping if more than one auction is won. I except paypal and money orders. Contact seller promptly at end of auction for Mailing address if paying with money order.Payment must be received within 7 days from date of sale or items may be relisted. If non payment occurs notice will be filled with appropriate feedback left. Seller does not do returns or exchanges. Make sure the item is something you want.