Elephants have captivated the imagination of humans from all over the world. Depending on the geographic region, the position of the trunk, and even the number of elephants depicted can have special meanings. As may be expected, many people today are charmed and attracted by elephant figurines.
Among other things, you are probably already aware that elephant figurines with upward pointing trunks are said to bring good luck and prosperity. On the other hand, if the elephant is depicted with it's trunk down, it can mean illness and other kinds of misfortune. Typically, elephant figurines with their trunks pointing upward can also serve a functional purpose as well as a decorative one. As an example, if you have finger rings, or even certain types of earrings, you can store them on elephant figurines.
Even though many people may think elephant figurines with downward trunks may represent bad luck, the number of elephants may entirely change the meaning. As an example, the Hindu people are known for keeping elephant figurines that include three elephants. The trunk of each elephant is often shown at a different angle. Typically, these designs are sacred objects, and are used to remind individuals of the presence of the divine in their lives.
Today, many elephant figurines depict these intelligent animals in circus settings. While you may enjoy a replicas of them standing on drums or stools, consider that real life elephants often live excruciatingly painful lives in the circus. Among other things, they may be drugged and electrocuted during the “training process”. Chances are, when you see an elephant performing at a circus, it has been drugged with sedatives beforehand, and it is a very unhappy animal. Frequently, circus elephants are also starved and otherwise abused.
You may also find elephant figurines depicting them in their natural settings. Chances are you will enjoy having elephant figurines in your home or office that capture them splashing water over their backs, or even galloping across a savannah. If you purchase items like this from Africa or India, each design may have a local tradition associated with it. While it may be difficult to find this information out, you may want to give it a try.
Finally, many elephant figurines are used to depict famous elephants. As an example, Disney's Dumbo has been made in almost every sculpture medium imaginable. You may even find figurines of Dumbo made from the same materials used to make beach balls. There are also many other famous elephants that have found their way into elephant figurines. While they may not all have Dumbo's charming ears, they are bound to be items cherished by their youthful owners.
Without a question, elephant figurines have many different symbolic interpretations. Depending on what culture you come from, even the position of the trunk may have a special meaning. In today's world it is also important to realize that these giant creatures are often abused in order to create amusement and entertainment for bored humans.
