I am not sure of the exact age of this figure. Purchased by a friend in the 1960's in Kathmandu, Nepal back in the days when it was capturing the world's attention as the final destination on the overland hippie trail from Europe to Asia. It was gifted to me many years later when I returned from my own first trip to Nepal and lamented the fact that I'd not brought 'anything' of cultural interest back with me. In all my years of collecting have never seen another quite like this figure, nor have I been able to readily find a comparable online..
It is made of white metal that I have never cleaned, other than giving it a light dusting.
It measures 9.5"/ 24 cm in height.
Weighs slightly over 2 lbs.
Has a very nice patina and despite being white metal is not at all 'tinny'. No rust, holes, dents.
When shaken you can hear a piece of stone or metal inside the figure that makes a noise so I've often wondered if it was meant to be carried as a rattle in a procession or parade.
The anatomically correct male monkey god Hanuman is sitting crouched atop a circular plinth surrounded by raised monkey figures and holding his hands just below the knees. This is a posture I've often seen on Hanuman amulets offered for sale in the markets of northern India and Nepal.
Hanuman is much revered in Hindu culture. He is an ardent devotee of Rama and one of the central characters in the epic Sanskrit poetic tale 'The Ramayana'. He's believed to be a God of wisdom, strength, courage, self discipline and devotion.
Hanuman is also a popular figure among Buddhists in Central, Southeast, and East Asia, and throughout those areas many temples have been erected for his worship. Was this originally meant as an altar figure? I would gladly welcome the insight of anyone who has a more concrete idea.
What I can say is that this is an interesting figure with some Eastern religious connotation. The closed eyes and sombre reflective face all speak to patience, thought and contemplation.
Unusual and highly collectible.
The Fine Print:
***I'm a woman who loves to travel and have spent a ‘longish' and lucky lifetime exploring many parts of the world. Most of the items I list have at one time been used, worn and/or displayed in my home.
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Product code: Sale Vintage Nepalese White Metal Crouching Hanuman Monkey God Figure