18th Century Sandstone Carving of Dancing Ganesha

This 17th / 18th century relief carving of Ganesha is carved from sandstone and covered with the red powder of the pujas. The pujas are the prayer offerings of red material that are scattered over figures and which has remained on the surface of the sandstone giving it a wonderful warm character. This image of the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati is shown dancing. The dancing represents the joy of freedom and bliss. Ganesha is the deity which is said to be the remover of obstacles. This is meant originally in the theological sense, but in many cases it has become part of folk stories in which Ganesha is seen as the bestower of good fortune and progeny. Ganesha is the son of the Hindu god Shiva and his consort Parvati. He is described as the remover of all obstacles in the Hindu faith. His image is placed in many temples, and because of being the remover of obstacles he is also seen by certain classes as a god of wealth. He is usually shown with a large stomach and the head of a