This bronze sculpture depicts Hanuman, who is the devoted monkey general of Rama. He is one of the central characters in the various versions of the Indian epic Ramayana. He is also mentioned in several other texts, such as the Mahabharata, the various Puranas and some Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh texts.
Hanuman takes the form of a human with a monkey head. He has a monkey-like posture and a tail. His hand placed in front of his mouth symbolises humility. He is also a popular figure in legends and arts found outside Indian subcontinent such as in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Bali Indonesia.
Other highlights from the collection include:
- Dancing Ganesha
- Shadow Puppet – Rama
- Bhairava
- The Family of Shiva
- Apsara
- Somaskanda
- Vajradhara and Prajna
- Hanuman
- Walking Buddha
Hanuman
- Title: Hanuman
- Dates: 12th century
- Period: Chola
- Provenience: Tamil Nadu, India
- Materials: Bronze
- Dimensions: H: 63.5 cm
- Museum: Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore
~~~
“A beautiful woman belongs to everyone; an ugly one is yours alone.”
– Indian Proverb
~~~
Photo Credit: JOM