Hanuman
Stone,
India, Rajastan, 14th / 15th century
H: 11 cm

Little stone figure of Hindu deity Hanuman, leader of the monkeys and a strong devotee of Rama. He is dressed in a pleated dhoti, a scarf is flowing around his shoulders and a sun aureole is framing his head. He is standing wide-legged on a hill with grass. In his raised right hand he was most likely holding a mountain, in his other hand his weapon. Hanuman is an important character in the Ramayana story. Many images and sculptures show him holding his attribute the gada or mace and the herb mountain. The story tells about Lakshmana, Rama's brother, who was injured by a poison tipped arrow. It was decided that Hanuman must find the healing herb from the Himalayan mountains. When Hanuman arrived in the Himalayas, he was puzzled which one of the herbs to bring so he wrapped his arms around the whole mountain, pulled it from the ground and carried it back in the palm of his hand. Lakshman received the healing herb and recovered. Hanuman is seen as the ultimate example of loyality and servitude. In later depictions he opens up his chest to show Rama and Sita in his heart, as prove of his absolute devotion and love.