04 Aug 2014 Collectible Elephant Figurines

We all have love of handicrafts. The handicraft industry is big and wide and out of it each of us have special liking about certain handicrafts. Today, we will talk about a unique handicraft genre, the elephants.

Whenever we talk of elephants, India is the country that comes to our mind. So, the Indian handicraft industries have adapted the elephant design in various art and craft forms. If you are an ardent elephant admirer then look no further than the Indian handicraft industry.

Hand Crafted Elephant in Marble

By taking a closer look at the hand crafted elephants of India, you will find that the elephants are always decorated. This fact has a history attached to it. Since ages, many cities and towns of India celebrate elephant festival in many ways, since decoration is a part of ritual and festival, this particular animal is beautifully dressed and decorated.  The most famous elephant festival is celebrated in Jaipur city in Rajasthan state of India and also in Gurvayur town of Kerala. Apart from festival, elephants symbolize royalty, because the Indian Rajas and Maharajas have always used elephant in their empire for wars and royal rituals. Elephants are seen curved on stones in Indian palaces and temples. They symbolize wisdom and royal power. The elephants of Kerala are an integral part of the daily life in Kerala, South India. These Indian elephants are loved, revered, groomed and given a prestigious place in the country’s culture.

Decorative Wooden Elephant from India

When you are considering buying some hand crafted elephants from India, consider the raw material that has been used. Marble, wood and terracotta are the most beautiful medium of carving on elephant. Rajasthani crafters would mostly use marble as their material, while south India will use wood or even the most precious, aroma sandalwood as their carving material. And east India would prefer terracotta as their medium of art.

Rest of the world too has deep reverence for this majestic creature. Elephants have been the subject of various cultural depictions in mythology, symbolism (wisdom and power) and popular culture. They are both revered in religion and respected for their prowess in war.

By: Pushpita, a freelance writer on world handicrafts and lifestyle. Pushpita holds a Masters in English literature and is a rich media professional.