Ganesha
c. 950-1000
Asia: India, Tamil Nadu
On View

Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati, is easily recognized by his elephant head and chubby, child-like body. Several different myths describe the origins of his elephantine features. One of them explains that when Ganesha refused to allow Shiva to enter a room where Parvati was bathing, Shiva cut off his head. Despondent, Parvati demanded that Shiva replace their son’s head with the head of the first being that walked by, which happened to be an elephant.

Ganesha’s potbelly reflects his love of sweets. He is often portrayed carrying treats such as mangoes or ladoos (sweet pastries) in his left hand, while his trunk curls to his side to pluck one for a snack. His front right hand holds a piece of one of his tusks, sometimes said to have broken off in his struggle with Shiva.

Details

  • Title: Ganesha
  • Date: c. 950-1000
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: overall: 16 x 8-1/2 x 6 in. (40.6 x 21.6 x 15.2 cm)
  • Credit Line: The Norton Simon Foundation
  • Accession Number: F.1972.28.S
  • Copyright: © The Norton Simon Foundation

Object Information

  • Dehejia, Vidya, Asian Art: Selections from the Norton Simon Museum, fig. 12 p. 44
  • Pal, Pratapaditya, Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum, Volume 1: Art from the Indian Subcontinent, 2003, no. 169a pp. 225-229
  • Campbell, Sara, Collector Without Walls: Norton Simon and His Hunt for the Best, 2010, cat. 830 p. 343
Listen
Audio Tour
English | Español
Read
Audio Tour Transcript
English | Español
Escuchar
Audioguía
English | Español
Leer
Transcripción de Audioguía
English | Español

Image reproduction permission may be granted for scholarly or arts related commercial use. All image requests, regardless of their intended purpose, should be submitted via the reproduction request form.

Images may be protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights. Additional permission may be required.

Approved requests for the reproduction of an image will receive a contract detailing all fees and conditions of use of the image. Upon receipt of both the signed contract and full payment, the Office of Rights and Reproductions will provide the image. A complimentary copy of the published material must be provided to the Norton Simon Museum.

Reproduction Request Form