You often see more rigid depictions of Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu god who is perhaps the most easily recognized of all that pantheon. The MFAH’s example is a distinctively sensual version of the god of auspicious beginnings, remover of obstacles. He sits with his consort Siddhi, who represents extraordinary abilities or spiritual power, and they are clearly having a good time. The image is crammed with symbols and layers of meaning, but they all add up to: enjoy, turn challenges into opportunities, be optimistic and resilient. The sweet rewards of a life well and fully lived are within your grasp.

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