About the Artwork +
This complex Tholu Bommalata artwork by Sindhe Siva depicts Hanuman, the revered vanara deity and the utterly devoted ally of Rama, rendered through the traditional shadow puppetry of Andhra Pradesh in a form that embodies both dynamic energy and profound devotion. As the figure who represents the ultimate ideal of selfless service and whose strength and cunning were essential to the success of Rama's quest, Hanuman occupies a place of profound significance within the artist's traditional repertoire.
Tholu Bommalata, the "dance of leather puppets" is a shadow theatre tradition of the Telugu-speaking Deccan with a history reaching back some two thousand years. Its performances are historically drawn from a Telugu version of the Ramayana compiled for the shadow stage, alongside episodes from the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana. Puppets are cut from goat, deer or buffalo hide, cleaned and treated over roughly two weeks until translucent, then hand-painted with natural dyes and finely perforated so that, held before a lit screen, each figure glows as a vivid, coloured shadow.
Hanuman is shown with his traditional reddish-brown complexion, his powerful body posed in a dynamic, active stance. His attire is rich and patterned, featuring a yellow dhoti adorned with detailed multi-coloured stripes (red, blue, green) and fine dotted grid work. A patterned blue cloth is tied at his waist with a central knot, and a teal-green stole is draped diagonally across his torso, trimmed with gold borders.
His crown rises in elaborate tiers of red, gold, and white pearl-like motifs, distinct yet echoing the regal style seen in other royal figures of the epic. He wears large circular earrings, multiple detailed necklaces and ornamented armlets, wristlets and anklets, all worked in fine gold-toned perforation. His expression is alert and devoted, with eyes that are open clear, and focused.
True to his iconography as a powerful warrior, he is shown carrying a massive, ornamental Gada (mace) with an elaborate multi-tiered head, resting over his left shoulder. His other hand is positioned near his hip.
His beautifully curved tail, decorated and ornamented, rises up behind him, terminating with its own specific ornamental flourish. His powerful and muscular limbs are rendered with careful anatomical detail, further emphasizing his role as a formidable supporter of righteousness.
As the critical ally and absolute devotee around which so many of Tholu Bommalata's other figures, allies and adversaries are organised, this artwork captures Hanuman with the boundless energy and profound reverence his role demands. Sindhe Siva's rendering brings together the full expressive range of the tradition, its colour, its ornamentation and its unique perforated glow, in service of the epic's most beloved and powerful supporter.
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View Sample Here
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Delivery Timelines and Returns +
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We offer replacements or repairs if your artwork arrives damaged or has a quality issue. As each artwork is handcrafted, we do not accept returns or refunds for orders received in the expected condition.
Delivery Timeline
This artwork will be Made to Order and will take
1-2 weeks
to be made and shipped.
Once your order is placed, our team stays in constant communication with the artist to track the progress and
ensure the quality of your order. You will receive regular updates from us throughout this process.
All MeMeraki artworks are hand-painted. In rare occasions, artist may face delays due to weather, health, prior commitments or force majeure. Our team will reach out to you with revised timelines in case of such delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience in such situations.
Colour Disclaimer+
All artworks on the website are hand painted from scratch by our master artists. This makes every artwork absolutely unique and the actual colour and overall artwork may vary slightly from the artwork image posted here.