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Five-Headed Ganesha

$1373.25
$1831
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZA84
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 3.1 ft
Width: 1.5 ft
Depth: 0.6 ft
Weight 15 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 Masterpiece of Devotion

Behold this magnificent representation of Ganesha, meticulously carved from wood in the South Indian temple tradition. This is not merely an object; it is a devotional piece, steeped in history and imbued with spiritual significance, ready to bring auspiciousness and wisdom to your space. The sheer scale of the piece, at over three feet tall, commands attention, making it a powerful focal point for any room. It resonates with the age-old art and craft of South India's celebrated woodworkers.

The Significance of Ganesha

Ganesha, also known as Ganapati and Vinayaka, is one of the most beloved and widely worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. He is the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. As the Lord of Beginnings, he is honored at the start of rituals and ceremonies. His presence is considered vital for success in any endeavor. Ganesha's iconic form – the elephant head on a human body – is rich with symbolism. His large head represents wisdom and understanding, and his large ears signify that he is attentive to prayers. His trunk is a symbol of adaptability and efficiency, capable of both uprooting trees and picking up a needle.

The Panchamukha Form: Five Faces of Wisdom

This particular carving features the Panchamukha, or five-faced form, of Ganesha. The five heads represent the five koshas, or layers, of the human being, which include the physical, energetic, mental, intellectual, and blissful sheaths. Alternatively, the five faces may symbolize the five elements, directions, or the five senses that connect us to the world. Depicting him with five heads emphasizes Ganesha's profound knowledge and dominion over all aspects of existence. Each head holds a unique significance and represents the multiple powers that Ganesh can bestow. The five heads are believed to stand for the pancha-tattvas: earth, water, fire, air, and space. With each head, Ganesha governs and protects our senses and consciousness on the path to enlightenment. The representation of Ganesha in the Panchamukha form is relatively rare, making this statue a particularly special and valuable addition to any collection or devotional space. It is seen as a sign of great fortune and spiritual advancement to those who keep it. The details in each of the five faces are carefully rendered, demonstrating the skill of the artisan who made this.

A Treasure of Temple Art

This piece comes from the rich tradition of South Indian temple art. The craftsmanship reflects the attention to detail and the devotion that are characteristic of such sacred works. From the intricately carved details of the jewelry adorning Ganesha to the graceful curves of the multiple trunks and hands, every aspect of this statue speaks to the dedication and artistry involved in its creation. Owning this piece is akin to possessing a fragment of ancient tradition, a tangible link to the spiritual heart of India. By bringing this statue into your home, you create an environment of reverence, peace, and intellectual stimulation.

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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