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Ashtavinayaka (Eight Ganeshas) Panel

$1054.50
$1406
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZEO032
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 36.5 inch
Width: 3.5 inch
Depth: 36 inch
Weight 25 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 40 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Divine Assemblage: The Ashtavinayaka Wood Panel

This magnificent carved wood panel is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of South India, specifically renowned for its temple wood carvings. It brings together the powerful and benevolent forms of the Ashtavinayaka, the eight distinct manifestations of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity. Each Ganesha panel within this larger artwork is meticulously crafted, showcasing a unique iconography and posture, inviting contemplation and spiritual connection. The central and largest carving likely represents the prominent Ganesha form, perhaps Mahaganapati, with multiple faces and arms, symbolizing his omnipotence and all-encompassing nature. The surrounding panels depict other forms of Ganesha, each with its own legend and significance. For instance, one might represent Lord Ganesha in his dancing form (Nritya Ganapati), while another could depict him as a warrior (Veer Ganapati), ready to overcome obstacles. The exquisite detailing, from the delicate folds of the divine garments to the intricately carved ornaments and the serene expressions on each face, speaks volumes about the skill and devotion of the artisans who brought this piece to life.

Echoes of Sacred Lore and Artistic Tradition

The worship of Lord Ganesha is deeply ingrained in Hindu tradition, revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the intellect. The concept of Ashtavinayaka is particularly significant, referring to eight ancient temples in Maharashtra, India, each housing a unique self-manifested idol of Ganesha. These are not merely statues but sacred sites where divine energies are believed to reside. This panel, by bringing these eight forms together, serves as a powerful symbol, offering a holistic representation of Ganesha's manifold blessings. The wood carving tradition of South India itself is steeped in centuries of religious practice, with artisans drawing inspiration from temple architecture and the divine stories passed down through generations. This panel is more than just a decorative item; it is a piece of spiritual history, a connection to ancient narratives, and an embodiment of artistic excellence.

An Emblem of Auspiciousness and Artistic Grandeur

The rich, dark wood from which this panel is carved lends an air of timeless elegance and gravitas. The natural grain of the wood is expertly utilized to enhance the dimensionality of the carvings, creating subtle plays of light and shadow that bring the deities to life. The scale of the panel makes it a commanding presence, suitable for adorning a prominent wall in a home, temple, or meditation space. Its presence is believed to invite good fortune, wisdom, and protection, aligning with the inherent qualities of Lord Ganesha. This South Indian temple wood carving is a remarkable piece that combines profound spiritual significance with exceptional artistic craftsmanship, making it a treasure to behold and cherish.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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