Ganesha
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Iconography
Ganesha figures show wide variation with distinct patterns changing over time. He may be represented standing, dancing, as a warrior in heroic action against demons, playing with his family as a boy, sitting down, or in a remarkable range of contemporary situations when depicted in festival displays.
The figure shown to the right is typical of Ganesha statuary from the early medieval period, after Ganesha had been well-established as an independent deity with his own cult. A virtually identical statue has been dated as (973-1200) by Martin-Dubost. It shows some of his most universal iconographic elements. He has the head of an elephant, a big belly, and carries some form of tasty delicacy in his left hand which he samples with his trunk. The statue has four arms. The right upper arm holds an axe, while the left upper arm holds a noose, symbols of his ability to cut through obstacles or to create them as needed.