Carved Hindu manuscript cover (Cubierta tallada de manuscrito hindú)
Unknown, India,
17th-18th century
wood and vermilion powder
Gift of Ms. Amy S. Clague in honor of the Museum's 50th Anniversary
2008.328
© Phoenix Art Museum. All rights reserved. Photo by Ken Howie.
Asian
No
This cover shows the "holy family" of Shiavite Hinduism: Shiva, the god of destruction; his consort Parvati (center); and their sons Kumara (right, with four arms) and Ganesha (left, with an elephant head). Artists often depict Ganesha individually, as a deity revered for wisdom and good fortune. All but Parvati are shown as multi-armed and multi-headed, indicating their superhuman powers.