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Ganesha Image Influenced by Indonesian Aesthetics

Ganesha is an important deity of Hinduism. His images began to be carved during the Kushana period but the god attained popularity during the early medieval period. He was worshipped at the beginning of every Hindu ritual. This resulted in the creation of numerous images of the god in various mediums.

Hindu Paintings

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Lord Ganesha Painting

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Worship of Ganesha has transcended the frontiers of India and a large number of his images are known from various countries e.g. Indonesia. Indonesian artists were not slaves of tradition and convention but also made innovations to create interesting examples. Made in brass, this mask of Ganesha is unique in the influence of Indian art on Indonesian. An ardhachandra kapala adorning the headdress of the god is a very common feature of the Indonesian Ganesha. This ornament is usually affixed in front of the crown. The forehead is adorned with a beaded string. The thick and heavy trunk falls straight and then turns left. The long and slim tusks are both intact, contrary to the Indian iconic image where one tusk is broken. Popular tales of Indonesia maintain that the large ears, which Ganesha waves to and fro, represent the winnowing away of obstacles being faced by the devotees and are also indicative of wisdom. Here the ears are stylized, a rather unusual treatment. As a rule, the image of Ganesha has two eyes but when invoked in Tantrik dhyanas, he has a third eye. In this image, he has two small eyes and the third eye set obliquely on the forehead is long and narrow, flame shaped and in high relief.