Hanuman South India, 1800s wood, 45 inches (121.3 cm) high Funds from Collectors’ Choice 1991 1991.1012

In the Hindu epic Ramayana, the famous monkey hero Hanuman helped the god Rama rescue his abducted wife Sita. Here Hanuman kneels with outstretched arms to show his devotion to Rama. Throughout South India, wooden images such as this are paraded through the streets by villagers during temple festivals. Garlands of fresh flowers donated by the devout add color and fragrance to the ornate carved decoration covering the figure.


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