Charming Rare Fossilized Bone Carving of Lord Ganesh the Elephant God

This charming little statue of Lord Ganesh, the Hindu elephant deity, was hand carved in fossilized bone, quite possibly mammoth bone.  I purchased it from a private art collection in a museum gallery in Bali some 40 years ago, together with another similar carving which I am also listing here.  It was in a display cabinet featuring various small antiquities from Indonesia, and described as a magical amulet.  It has been displayed in my own home ever since.  

Ganesh the Elephant God is a very popular deity throughout Asia and is associated with good fortune and new beginnings.  In Bali he is often depicted as a healer and scholar holding a sacred lontar book.

Ganesh is seated with his hands on his knees In this fossilized bone carving.  He has huge ears, a topknot, and is wearing arm and wrist bands.  His left hand holds the end of his long trunk.

It is in excellent condition, looks utterly charming, and feels very special.  I think of it as a lucky guardian, and am only parting with it as I have another.  It would make a wonderful original gift for someone special!