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This Asian Elephant Weather Vane, Elephas maximus, is crafted in copper with a brass log and grasses and optional gold leaf tusks. The sculpture piece is a non-mirror image style weathervane (different on each side) in order to replicate the elephant’s natural gait.
As with all our weathervanes, variations on this design are possible. Along the lines of our Carousel Horse Weathervane, we could create a richly caparisoned Asian Elephant Weathervane complete with a howdah carriage and golden nettipattam head covering. Translucent glass jewels can be added to the coverings to create a most spectacular weathervane, especially suitable as a memorable wedding gift, bringing good luck to the happy couple.
The Asian elephant is smaller than the African. It has smaller ears and typically only the males have large external tusks. Fascinating to note, Asian elephants are highly intelligent and self-aware; they have a very large and convoluted neocortex, a trait shared by humans, apes and certain dolphin species. In fact, Asian elephants have the greatest volume of cerebral cortex available for cognitive processing of all existing land animals, placing them in the category of great apes in terms of cognitive abilities for tool use and tool making.
In Indian lore the elephant deity Ganesha is widely revered as remover of obstacles and bringer of prosperity. Through the centuries the elephant in both Asia and Africa has been variously used to symbolize power, wisdom, strength, protection of the home and bringer of good fortune. Today the elephant has been cross-culturally adopted or co-opted and to place an elephant statue, figurine or other such sculpture piece, in a doorway or similar prominent setting is said to ensure longevity and luck.
As a final note, I’ve even gone so far as to imagine a Mumakil weathervane, based on the fearsome Oliphaunts of Lord of the Rings fame. With their six tusks, towers bristling with archers and anklets of chain, this would make an eye-catching weathervane indeed. Perhaps not so far fetched an idea actually, as we have already completed a Swan Necked Elven Ship Weather Vane from the Lord of the Rings. This graceful ship famously sailed into the West from Greyhaven at the end of The Return of King, carrying the last of the elves, Gandalf, Frodo and Bilbo Baggins. So free your imagination, pursue your flights of fancy and let us know how we can help you create the perfect weathervane for that special one-of-a-kind gift for your home or business.
Please enjoy the Asian Fusion Gallery.
