Monkey God (Hanuman)

1800s

Country

India, southern

Object

sculpture

Medium

Wood with pigment

Accession Number

1991.1012

Credit Line

Funds From Collector's Choice

Monkey God (Hanuman), Southern India, 1800s. Wood with pigment, iron; 42 1/4 x 35 ½ x 38 1/2 in.
Denver Art Museum: Funds from 1983 Collector’s Choice, 1991.1012

Dimensions

height: 42.25 in, 107.3150 cm; width: 35.5 in, 90.1700 cm; depth: 38.5 in, 97.7900 cm; base width: 37 in, 93.9800 cm; base length: 46.75 in, 118.7450 cm; base height: 5.5 in, 13.9700 cm

Department

Arts of Asia

Collection

Arts of Asia

This object is currently on view

Hanuman
South India
1800s
Wood with pigment
Museum purchase with funds from Collectors’ Choice, 1991.1012

In the Ramayana, the monkey hero Hanuman helps the god Rama rescue his abducted wife, Sita. Here Hanuman kneels with outstretched arms to show his devotion to Rama. A support at the back of the figure may have held an image of Rama. Throughout West and South India, villagers carry wooden images such as this through the streets during temple festivals. Garlands of fresh flowers donated by the devout add color and fragrance to the intricately carved decoration that ornaments the figure.

Known Provenance

At least June 1991-December 1991, Adrian Maynard [d. 1991], Adrian Maynard Oriental Art, London; December 1991, DAM collection, museum purchase.

Exhibition History

“Stampede: Animals in Art” — Denver Art Museum, 9/10/2017