A 12th century antique stone statue, 40- by 22- by 22-centimeter of Lord Ganesha, the elephant headed deity, riding a mouse has been recovered in Indonesia by the Mpu Purwa Historical Object Preservation Center in Malang, East Java.

The antique stone marvel was handed over by a private collector, Jayusman, a resident of Jl. Sambas in Malang who had in turn obtained from a Chinese collector long ago.

According to Malang archeologist, Suwardono, "The mouse is apparently included as an animal used by Ganesha as a vehicle, but this type of statue has never been found in Indonesia before. Ganesha is usually seen riding the Lembu Nandhini cow, the Jatayu bird, or the Padmasana lotus,".

Another unique feature of the statue is Ganesha's stiff facial expression and a badhong carving on the shoulders. Lavish 'Samboghakaya' decorations adorn the Lord in the statue.

Suwardono also traced the period the statue was made or belonged to : "The badhong strand is part of the special trait of statues inherited from the Kediri empire, from the Raja Baneswara to Kertajaya kingdoms. The most special trait is the mouse as a vehicle on the pedestal of the statue"

Suwardono said he had also done a cross check regarding the statue with the National Archeology Research and Development Center in Jakarta, the Trowulan Center for Archeological Conservation and Heritage in Mojokerto, and the Archeological Center in Yogyakarta, the results of which ascertained that the statue was a unique one, never seen before.




The epigraphist and iconographer stated that the statue was intended to be installed in temples, originated in northern India and with time spread southward.

This kind of statue is normally installed at the back of a temple for worship which is generally said to guard unsafe areas and to ward off disasters in life.

Suwardono also added,"These artifacts are priceless and sought after by collectors,"

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