Pair of carvings. India, 20th century

Pair of architectural sculptures. India, 20th century
Carved wood
Uniform patina, the result of the passage of time, which enhances its aesthetic value. Small faults and cracks typical of the age and material.
Measurements (each): 80 x 36 x 15 cm.

Pair of decorative carved wood sculptures, from southern India, probably made in the mid-twentieth century. Both pieces show a rich work of hand carving on solid wood, representing mythological scenes of strong symbolic character, typical of the decorative repertoire of traditional Indian architecture.
The figures show richly harnessed elephants, with riders on their backs -possibly deities or courtly personages- accompanied by smaller human figures, dynamically integrated into the composition. Above the elephants are decorative figures reminiscent of multi-headed cobras (naga), a symbol of protection and divinity in Hindu iconography.
These types of carvings were commonly used as architectural elements in temples, palaces or havelis (noble houses), serving as structural supports (with the function of corbels or columns), but also with a spiritual purpose: to protect the building and its inhabitants with the force of animal and divine symbolism.
The choice of the elephant is not fortuitous, in the Indian tradition, the elephant is a symbol of wisdom, power and good fortune. In particular, it can be associated with the god Ganesha, a divinity highly revered as the lord of beginnings and remover of obstacles. Nagas, on the other hand, are semi-divine entities linked to water, fertility and protection.