16th c Hindu icon of GANESH...Hindu 'god of beginnings', 'remover of obstacles', he takes precedence at the beginning of rites and ceremonies and blesses new enterprises. Also known as 'Ganapati' and 'Vinayaka'. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati and has the head of an elephant due to a severe misunderstanding with his father. The animal with which he is depicted is a mouse. This particular example is extremely old - 16th c - and precious in its size - 1 1/2"h or 3.8cm. Acquired from a householder outside Madras, Tamil Nadu, s India late last century. SOLD