ACTOR:
“Lord who achieved the impossible
Before you how can one speak of the impossible?
O messenger of Rama, O ocean of mercy
Make my task achievable, O lord.”
NARRATOR:
Prayers like this are often chanted to the monkey god Hanuman, a most appealing figure. Bent slightly forward to suggest his humility, this part simian, part-human character has one hand before his mouth in a gesture of awestruck adoration. Richly adorned and wearing a short, patterned waist-cloth, Hanuman epitomizes humility, loyalty, and superhuman courage.
Countless devotees adore the monkey general for the impossible feats he performs in the Hindu epic the Ramayana. He jumps across an ocean to locate the god Rama’s kidnapped wife Sita, he brings her a message from Rama, and he jumps back to join in the final battle between good and evil. Not surprisingly, devotees beseech him for help when confronting difficulties.
This bronze Hanuman once formed part of a group that included Rama, his wife Sita, and his loyal brother Lakshmana, the main characters of the Ramayana.
Hanuman
13th century
Asia: India, Tamil Nadu
On View
Hanuman is the devout follower of Rama, one of Vishnu's avatars, or reincarnations. His story is recounted in the epic Ramayana, a sacred text of the Hindus. In the epic, Hanuman is a great simian hero who helps Rama rescue his wife, Sita, who has been captured by the demon-king Ravana. Sita is represented in art usually as Rama's spouse, but Hanuman has become the focus of an independent cult.
Details
- Title: Hanuman
- Date: 13th century
- Culture: Indian
- Medium: Bronze
- Dimensions: 19 1/4 x 6 1/2 in. (48.9 x 16.5 cm)
- Credit Line: The Norton Simon Foundation
- Accession Number: F.1972.45.05.S
- Copyright: © The Norton Simon Foundation
Object Information
Pal, Pratapaditya, Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum, Volume 1: Art from the Indian Subcontinent, no. 197 p. 273
Campbell, Sara, Collector Without Walls: Norton Simon and His Hunt for the Best, cat. 870 p. 346
Campbell, Sara, Collector Without Walls: Norton Simon and His Hunt for the Best, cat. 870 p. 346
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