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MADE IN INDIA.

Dancing Ganesha

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Name: Dancing Ganesha
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EH25
Price: 980.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$918.75

$1225

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	EH25
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 23.6 inch
	Width: 12 inch
	Depth: 5 inch
	Weight 7 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 40 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.

A Divine Sculpture from the Heart of South India

This captivating wooden sculpture, sourced directly from the temple artisans of South India, depicts the beloved deity Ganesha in a joyous, dynamic pose. Each curve and contour of this piece reflects the deep devotion and artistic heritage of the region. The intricate detailing, meticulously carved from wood, evokes a sense of timeless beauty and spiritual significance. Imagine this exquisite piece adorning your home, bringing with it the blessings of prosperity and the removal of obstacles.

Ganesha: The Remover of Obstacles and Bestower of Success

Ganesha, easily recognized by his elephantine head, is one of the most revered deities in the Hindu pantheon. He is worshipped as the God of beginnings, remover of obstacles, patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. Countless stories and legends surround his birth and deeds, further cementing his place in the hearts of millions. One such tale recounts how Ganesha gained his elephant head. The goddess Parvati, his mother, created him from the sandalwood paste she used for bathing, endowing him with life and tasking him with guarding her door. When Lord Shiva, Parvati's husband, returned home, Ganesha, not recognizing him, prevented him from entering. Enraged, Shiva severed Ganesha's head. Parvati was devastated, and Shiva, realizing his mistake, promised to revive Ganesha. He instructed his ganas (attendants) to bring the head of the first creature they encountered facing north. They returned with the head of an elephant, which Shiva then placed upon Ganesha, bringing him back to life. Ganesha's potbelly is often interpreted as a symbol of his ability to digest and contain all the joys and sorrows of the universe. His large ears represent his wisdom and capacity to listen to the prayers of his devotees. The modak (sweet dumpling) he often holds signifies the rewards of spiritual practice, while his broken tusk is a reminder that imperfections can be overcome to achieve greatness.

The Art of South Indian Temple Wood Carving

South India boasts a rich tradition of temple wood carving, a craft passed down through generations of artisans. These carvings, often adorning temple doors, chariots, and deities, are characterized by their intricate detail, vibrant colors, and deep spiritual symbolism. The wood used for these carvings is carefully selected and seasoned to ensure longevity and beauty. The artisan's skill and dedication bring the divine to life, creating works of art that inspire awe and reverence. This particular sculpture, measuring 23.6 inches in height, 12.0 inches in width, and 5.0 inches in depth, is a testament to this enduring tradition. The artist has skillfully captured Ganesha in a dynamic dancing posture, a form known as Nritya Ganapati, which represents the joy, rhythm, and harmony of the universe. It stands as a testament to skill and tradition. It is an exquisite addition to any sacred space.

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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