Sculpture

This granite figure depicts a seated Hindu ascetic, bearded and with long flowing hair. He is wearing a rosary and using a meditation strap (‘yogapatta’) around his torso and knees to allow him to maintain his posture. The sculpture was most likely created for a religious site, such as a temple or Hindu monastery ('matha'). It probably represents a known Hindu ascetic renowned for his meditative skills or the performance of austere rituals.

Such 'portrait' sculptures are rare. When found they are usually cast in bronze so this large-scale granite figure is most unusual.