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100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Lord Ganesha

$285.75
$381
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZA48
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 1.5 ft
Width: 0.8 ft
Depth: 0.2 ft
Weight 2.80 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.

Auspicious Beginnings

Invite prosperity and remove obstacles with this exquisitely carved representation of the beloved elephant-headed deity. Hand-carved in the South Indian temple style, this wooden representation of the Lord of Good Fortune is a testament to the skill and devotion of generations of artisans. Each detail is carefully rendered, reflecting a rich tradition of craftsmanship passed down through families for centuries. More than just a decorative object, this handcrafted piece serves as a powerful symbol of wisdom, intellect, and new beginnings.

The Remover of Obstacles: Ganesha's Story

Ganesha, also known as Ganapati or Vinayaka, holds a revered position in the Hindu pantheon. His elephant head, large ears, and portly body are instantly recognizable, and his image is invoked at the start of any new venture or undertaking. Legend tells that Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, created Ganesha from turmeric paste to guard her privacy while bathing. When Shiva returned home unexpectedly, Ganesha, unaware of Shiva's true identity, prevented him from entering. Enraged, Shiva severed Ganesha's head. Parvati was devastated, and Shiva, understanding his mistake, promised to restore Ganesha to life. He instructed his followers to bring the head of the first living creature they encountered facing north. They returned with the head of an elephant, which was then attached to Ganesha, bringing him back to life. This tale illustrates Ganesha's role as the remover of obstacles. He clears the path for success and protects devotees from adversity. His elephant head symbolizes wisdom and intelligence, his large ears represent his ability to listen to prayers, and his trunk signifies adaptability and the ability to overcome challenges. The modak (sweet dumpling) he often holds in his hand signifies the sweetness of liberation and the rewards of spiritual pursuits.

The Art of Temple Carving

South Indian temple art is renowned for its intricate detail and profound spiritual significance. This piece reflects the traditional techniques and motifs commonly found in temple carvings. The use of wood as a medium connects the art to the natural world and underscores the belief in the divine presence in all things. The intricate details of the carving, from the ornate headdress to the delicate folds of the garments, demonstrate the mastery of the artisans who created this piece. The creation of such an object is not merely a craft, but a sacred act performed with devotion and a deep understanding of the divine. Owning this piece is akin to owning a piece of that sacred tradition and the artistic legacy of South India. This magnificent carving embodies a rich cultural legacy and is not only beautiful, but also radiates peace and tranquility. It is a beautiful reminder of the timeless spiritual values embodied by Ganesha.

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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