38" Large Yali and Elephant Wooden Statue | Large Sized Garden Sculpture

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MADE IN INDIA.

38" Large Yali and Elephant Wooden Statue | Large Sized Garden Sculpture

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Name: 38" Large Yali and Elephant Wooden Statue | Large Sized Garden Sculpture
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIW269
Price: 2085.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$2606

Includes any tariffs and taxes

The traditional, finely carved sculpture known as yali is frequently seen in South Indian art and architecture. A mythological beast, the yali is usually shown as a hybrid of several animals, including horses, lions, elephants, and sometimes other mythological creatures. Skilled artists carve these composite creatures into wood to display their artistic skills and workmanship in a wooden yali sculpture.

The yali usually appears with a fierce face, a gorgeous mane, and a body that skillfully combines many animal aspects. These Yali are frequently used as decorative elements in architecture, gracing the entrances to important buildings such as palaces and temples.

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Specifications

	MIW269
	Wood
	Height: 37.5 inch
	Width: 17.5 inch
	Depth: 12.5 inch
	Weight 20.40 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 35 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.

Guardians of Ancient Lore: The Majestic Yali and Elephant Sculpture

Immerse your space in the rich tapestry of South Asian mythology with this striking wooden sculpture. Crafted with exquisite detail, it depicts a powerful Yali, a mythical creature often described as a composite beast with the body of a lion and the head of another animal, locked in a dynamic struggle with an elephant. This timeless scene is not merely an artistic representation but a symbolic portrayal of strength, guardianship, and the eternal dance between different forms of power. The Yali, a formidable protector found adorning temples and palaces across India, represents courage and ferocity. In many traditions, it is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. Its presence signifies a vigilant guardian, a symbol of auspicious power that stands against adversity. The detailed carving of its mane, the fierce expression, and the muscular build speak to its legendary might. The elephant, a creature revered for its wisdom, strength, and loyalty, embodies royalty and good fortune. In Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is depicted with an elephant's head, signifying his role as a bringer of success. The elephant in this sculpture, though seemingly overcome, possesses an inherent dignity and resilience, representing the enduring spirit and the wisdom that can withstand challenges. The intricate detailing on its headdress and body suggests its noble stature and cultural significance. This substantial wooden piece, designed to command attention, is a testament to traditional craftsmanship. The natural grain of the wood lends a warmth and organic beauty to the sculpture, highlighting the artisan's skill in bringing these mythical beings to life. Each curve, each detail, from the coiled tail of the Yali to the textured hide of the elephant, is rendered with a depth that invites closer examination and appreciation.

A Touch of the Sacred for Your Dwelling

Whether placed as a centerpiece in your garden, a striking accent in your living room, or a statement piece in an entryway, this sculpture brings an aura of ancient mystique and profound symbolism. It serves as a constant reminder of the stories that have shaped cultures, the enduring power of nature, and the protective forces that watch over us. Its impressive size ensures it will be a focal point, sparking conversation and admiration. This is more than just a decorative item; it is a gateway to a world of myth, a tangible piece of heritage that can transform any environment into a sanctuary of stories and sacred artistry.

This masterpiece evokes the legendary tales of the Vijayanagara Empire, where the Yali motif was particularly prominent in architectural embellishments. These carvings were not just decorative but served a protective function, guarding sacred spaces from malevolent forces. The interplay between the Yali and the elephant can also be seen as a representation of overcoming obstacles, a common theme in many spiritual narratives. The artistic choice of wood enhances this connection to the natural world and the ancient practices of carving and sculpture that have been passed down through generations.

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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