Three steles; Hanuman (middle) and two deification images, the left showing features of Parvati, the right of Lakshmi (Residential house) Kediri, Kediri district, East Java province, various periods. Possibly 1866 - 1867

Isidore Kinsbergen captured these three steles with a camera in Kediri, East Java, depicting Hanuman flanked by deifications of Parvati and Lakshmi. These stone figures, though fixed in place, carry with them a rich history of symbols. Consider Hanuman, central to the Ramayana, his simian form immediately recalls ancient bestial deities. The human form of Hanuman is depicted with features of an animal, and represents a connection to the natural world, symbolizing devotion and strength. The multi-armed goddesses, Lakshmi and Parvati, evoke the ancient Indian tradition, embodying power and divine energy. This motif of multiple limbs, seen across cultures, amplifies the deity’s capabilities, suggesting an abundance of power. These images speak to a deeper, collective consciousness, where symbols persist and evolve, revealing a timeless dialogue between cultures and epochs. The visual memory embedded in these forms continues to shape our understanding of humanity's spiritual journey.