The Six Armed Dancing Ganesha

This excellent dancing figure of the elephant headed god Ganesha, carved out of a single log of fine tempered teakwood, is a blend of his two classical forms - the Nratya-Ganapati and Urdhva Ganapati. To such classical elements the artist has added his own innovations, which range from aesthetic elements articulated in facial expressions of the figure and its physiognomy to graphics suggestive of mystic cosmology. On minute observation this Ganapati figure reveals in its artistic modeling a 'tantrika' formation pregnant with mystic dimensions. The physiognomy of the Ganapati figure and its various members constitute a knotted octagon suggestive of interwoven energy channels - triangles, squares and rectangles and channels of light across. In 'Tantra' such formation stands for both, the massive energy flow and its guided course. Octagon is in Tantra an auspicious diagram for it creates and circulates energy and knowledge and thereby life and at the same time keeps its guided by spiritual fetters. This image of Lord Ganesha, the god of auspices, has been rendered further auspicious with this 'tantrika' addition.

As prescribed, this Urdhva Ganapati form of the Elephant god has six arms, but the attributes held in these hands, save the broken tusk, are different. Instead of Urdhva Ganapati's sprig of paddy, lotus, sugar-cane bow, arrow and water lily this figure of Ganapati is seen holding in them noose, 'modaka', mace, goad and sword. The broken tusk is the only attribute common in his both manifestations. Urdhva Ganapati's golden hue has been retained but instead of carving him as seated with 'Shaktis' on his left thigh he has been represented here as standing and dancing. Simple face with 'tripunda' mark on his forehead and semi-circular ears with upper and lower ends protruded is characteristic of Urdhva Ganapati but his tusk, instead of turning to left curves to right. This is in adherence to neither his Urdhva Ganapati nor Nratya Ganapati form and is obviously an innovation. Ganesha is one of the four 'Adigurus' of dance, other three being Shiva, Kali and Vishnu in his Vamana and Krishna incarnations. Hence, Ganesha dances to all modes, moods, rhythm and pace. But his Nratya Ganapati form is usually his exalted and ecstatic dance form. This form of Lord Ganesha depicts 'lasya', the expressions of lovable tenderness. This is thus an innovative expansion of his Nratya Ganapati form as well.

Instead of much of his adherence to classical iconography the wood-carver seems to have sought delight in the rhythmic curves, unique balance, unity of conflicting forms and the quaintness of his figure. Queer pot-like belly, knotted knees, rounded ankles, horse-shoe-like turned ears and the zigzag form of arms creating their own geometrics, are quite curious and interesting attributes of the figure of Lord Ganesha. His extra large rounded pot belly, more swelled in dance, is not an amicable thing for his girdle or his loin cloth as none of them is able to keep its position. One of them has ascended far above belly's centre and the other descended far below the waist. His entire figure gives a feel of 'lasya', the dance of love and beauty but his half lifted diagonal feet are in themselves an absolute exposition of dance.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.

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Of Related Interest:

Dancing Ganesha (Silk Painting)

Nrittya Ganesha (Batik Painting On Cotton)

Dances of Ganesha (Orissa's Paata Painting)

Dancing Ganesha (Brass Statue)

Click Here to read the Article: Ganesha - the Elephant Headed God, Art and Mythology

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.