Dancing Ganesha
Unknown Artist
c. 1000
Medium
sandstone
Dimensions
h. 61.3 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
John L. Severance Fund
Accession Number
1961.93
About this artwork
The name Ganesha means "lord (isha) of the demonic dwarfs (gana)," part of Shiva's entourage. They dance and imitate Shiva in humorous ways that inspire his followers' affection. In this sculpture Ganesha's dance mimics the dance of Shiva. Ganesha has six arms instead of four, and he holds a bowl of sweet cakes and a radish instead of a tongue of flame.