Sacred Thames washes up Hindu Deities
1 October 2005
Hindu objects found washed up on the banks of the Thames are making a new journey across London as they go on display in a special exhibition travelling between Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Museum in Docklands and Museum of London until 26 November.
Statuettes of the deities Ganesh, Durga, Hanuman and Vishnu, made of soapstone and metal, will form part of this exhibition exploring the recent phenomenon of Hindu finds recovered from the Thames. Other objects include ghee burning lamps used during Diwali celebrations and ceramic pots deployed either as ceremonial water holders or cremation urns. An intricately painted copper Yantra plaque, a talisman to ward off evil spirits, is also going on show.
Sacred Thames has just arrived at Museum in Docklands, having been on display during the Diwali celebrations at the Brent Cross Mela. The exhibition moves on to Museum of London on 11 November.
Over the past few years, growing numbers of Hindu objects have been given up by the Thames, found by mudlarkers and foreshore explorers. They offer a fascinating insight into the River's role as a bearer of devotional gifts. Archaeologists at the Museum of London have suggested that they are thrown into the water in the same manner as offerings are placed into the Ganges.
Possibly those releasing the statuettes hope they will find their way back to the source waters of the great Indian River. But it is more likely that the Thames has become a surrogate river, with its own sacred tides, and a part of the spiritual life of London's Hindu communities. When deities are chipped or damaged, they must be immersed in running water.
Professor Jack Lohman, director of the Museum of London group said, "The statuette of the Hindu god Ganesh was found on the Thames foreshore. It joins the many objects in the Museum of London's collections that have been found in the river. From prehistoric axes and Viking swords to Roman curses and medieval pilgrim badges, they bear witness to the people and cultures that have come together throughout London's history.
"This relatively modern find shows how London reflects its diversity in hidden and complex ways. Archaeology has told us something hidden about modern London, reminding us that great rivers still have spiritual significance. The intriguing questions it raises have drawn the Museum and the Hindu community together."
For further information:
Tim Morley
tel: 020 7814 5607
email: tmorley@museumoflondon.org.uk
Notes for editors
Sacred Thames is at Museum in Docklands until Thursday 10 November and Museum of London from Friday 11 to Saturday 26 November.
You can find out more about Diwali events at the Untold London website: www.untoldlondon.org.uk.
Museum in Docklands unlocks the history of London's river, port and people in a spectacular Georgian warehouse on West India Quay. Discover the alleyways of nineteenth century Sailortown, the 'Mudlarks' interactive gallery for children and a wealth of objects from whalebones to WWII gas masks. Visit www.museumindocklands.org.uk or call 0870 444 3856.
The Museum of London is the only museum to tell the story of London from pre-historic times to the present day. Find out what Romans ate for dinner, experience the Great Fire of London, go window-shopping in our Victorian walkway and be amazed by the magnificent Lord Mayor's coach. Admission is free.
To hear about our exciting events programme and start exploring London's history and the histories of Londoners visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk or call 0870 444 3851.