Untitled (Cow with Siva and Parvati and Ganesa) Date Unknown

Editor: Here we have an untitled sculpture, possibly made of ivory, depicting a cow carrying what looks like Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha. It feels... intimate, maybe? Almost like a family portrait, but with gods riding a cow. What can you tell me about it? Curator: What I see here is an exploration of power, divine familial bonds, and the weight of cultural memory. Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha are easily identifiable figures in Hinduism, their iconography well established across centuries and geographies. Consider the cow, Nandi, the sacred vehicle, or *vahana*, of Shiva himself; it’s not simply a means of conveyance, but an embodiment of dharma, of righteousness. How does placing the divine family on Nandi alter the symbolic power? Editor: It feels almost subversive, placing the family on the vehicle normally associated only with Shiva. Is that intentional? Curator: Perhaps "recontextualizing" is a better word. Instead of raw power, the focus shifts to the domestic, familial aspect within the divine. Ganesha, held tenderly, is not just the remover of obstacles, but a beloved child. Editor: So, we're seeing a more human, approachable representation of divinity? Curator: Exactly. And the artist uses ivory, a precious material often associated with royalty, which elevates the importance of these gods but at the same time the material might contribute to a perception of delicateness. Editor: That's a really interesting point – a play with contrasts. I never thought about it that way before. Curator: Precisely. These objects often act as mirrors, reflecting back not just our faith, but also our humanity. The intimate portrayal sparks conversations about belief and how cultures connect through imagery. Editor: Thank you. Looking at it now, the sculpture really comes alive with layered meaning, especially about cultural memory.