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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Any Jewelry, post: 398571, member: 2844&quot;]Spot on, Hunting, it is an East Javanese Ganesha. </p><p>For many centuries East Java was the powerhouse of Javanese-influenced culture. It was the centre of many great dynasties. The 13th century Singosari dynasty (of Queen Mahendradatta fame, known to many as Rangda) was the first important dynasty, the family continued on in the Majapahit dynasty, which ruled a big part of SE Asia. </p><p><br /></p><p>This Ganesha is made in the style of Singosari (not sangasari as the site says), which means Lion Flower, the most beautiful Indonesian dynastic name. (As a descendant I may be biased.) </p><p>The face at the back of the head is called a Kala head, after Batara Kala, the ruler of the underworld. It is meant as a protection. In Hindu-Javanese belief, when there is a representation of a demonic figure, the real demons think there is already one of them there, and will seek another victim. </p><p>Hindu-Javanese demons are a bit thick.<img src="styles/default/xenforo/smilies/wink.png" class="mceSmilie" alt=";)" unselectable="on" /></p><p><br /></p><p>The cracks are not from age but from the quality of casting. Ever since the dominance of Islam in East Java, Hindu-Javanese metal casting lost the quality it had during the Majapahit era. It was more of a folk art. </p><p>It is only since the late 20th century, when more tourists came to the region, that the quality started to improve. </p><p><br /></p><p>I have to finish the session now, it is getting too late here, sorry.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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