Pala Black Stone Stele of Ganesha

Origin: Northeastern IndiaCirca: 10th Century AD to 11th Century ADDimensions: 21" Height (53.3 cm.)Medium: Stone Seated in lalitasana with his pendant foot resting on the rat, Ganesh is seen here holding a mala, a radish, and a bowl of sweets in three of his hands while the fourth comfortably rests on the handle of an axe. The elephant god is clad in a short dhoti with the folds hanging over the edge of the base and adorned with a beaded sacred thread and necklace.  The refined face, long curled trunk and downcast eyes are flanked by wide ears, while the hair is arranged on top of his head in a short chignon and secured with a beaded headband. The entire composition is surrounded by a flaming aureole.