A bronze figures of Ganesha South India, 16th/17th century. Cast seated with four arms holding attributes. With remnants of gilding. H. 6.5 cm. Note: Ganesha, also known as Ganesa or Ganapati, is one of the most important gods in Hindu mythology and he is also worshipped in Jainism and Buddhism. For the Ganapatya Hindu sect, Ganesha is the most important deity. Ganesha is highly recognizable with his elephant head and human body, representing the soul and the physical respectively. He is also the patron of writers, travellers, students, commerce, and new projects (for which he removes obstacles from one’s path) and is rather fond of sweets, to the slight detriment of his figure