Description
This collage was inspired by visiting an animal sanctuary in Southern India where I met elephants as individual characters living in a paradise of what grows in South India including elephant apples, tamarind, lychees and breadfruit–in the lower right the small elephant stands on one cut in half. Elephants are revered globally as powerful symbols of strength, wisdom, good fortune and family loyalty. Ancient Indian texts note that the earth rests on the backs of four mighty elephants and in Hinduism, the Lord Ganesha is an elephant-headed deity who removes obstacles, brings success and governs new beginnings. In Buddhism white elephants represent purity, spiritual power and enlightenment–Queen Maya dreamed of a white elephant entering her womb before giving birth to the Buddha. In many cultures elephants symbolize deep familial bonds and community due to their strong matriarchal social structures. Elephant apples (Dillenia indica) are large evergreen trees native to India, Thailand and Indonesia with cream-colored magnolia-like flowers and round green fruits that turn dark purple as they fall and dry. Elephants are fond of the sticky, sour pulp containing numerous seeds–the fruit is hard and tough when fresh, perfect for pachyderm snacking and dispersing seeds. In West Bengal (where it is known as ouu tenga) the tart flesh is made into sour curries and tangy pickles, jams and jellies. We need to preserve elephant habitats and sanctuaries so there are always these magnificent creatures to admire and learn from.
