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PI. 2. Similar dwarf-like figures abound in the Hindu and Buddhist temple art of Frieze with flying dwarf- Central Java. Like many other ornaments carved on temples - such as like carrier figures, monster heads, garlands, wishing trees, and vases of plenty - they derive Candi Kalasan from Indian art. Van Erp uses the term atlantes to denote such figures on Borobudur,6 but more often the Sanskrit word gana is used.7. Ganas are the dwarf-like followers of the Hindu god Siva and his son Ganesha, whose name means ‘Lord of the ganas’.8 However, since the dwarf-like figures are found on both Hindu and Buddhist temples in Central Java, it is questionable whether gana, specifically associated with Siva, is the correct term. More semi-divine dwarf-like or burden-bearing creatures such as guhyakas, yaksas, and naras are known in Sanskrit literature.9 It is difficult to decide which term would best fit the figures portrayed in Central Javanese art.
These figures can be found on many of the surviving temples (candi) in Central Java, for instance Banyunibo, Barong, Borobudur, Dieng Candi A, Gedong Songo I, Kalasan, Kedulan, Loro Jonggrang, Lumbung,10 Mendut, Merak, Morangan, Pendem, Plaosan Lor, Sambisari, Sari, Sewu, and Sojiwan. They are seen at various locations, often integrated into an element with a support function, for instance in friezes (PI. 2), at the top of pilasters (PI. 3), at the bases of doorways or niche posts, or on panels below niches (PI. 11).
The dwarf-like figures display various forms. When they are found high up on a temple, as for example at Candi Kalasan (PI. 2), they are often depicted in a flying attitude with one leg bent in front and the other leg bent backwards. Most examples appear in a squatting attitude with their hands uplifted as if carrying something (Pis 3-7, 9). Some examples, for instance at Candi Sojiwan (PI. 9), are seated on a lion or an elephant. Others, such as those at Candi Kalasan, have only one hand raised in a lifting position (PI. 2). Those that have both hands raised show various hand positions: both hands turned outward seems to be the most common position (Pis 3 and 6); whereas both hands turned inward is the most common at Candi Sewu (PI. 4); one hand turned inward and the other turned outward is found at Candi Gedong Songo I, Candi Kedulan, Candi Pendem (PI. 5), and Candi Plaosan Lor; and both hands turned to the front is the common way of depiction at Candi Loro Jpnggrang (PI. 7). Usually a piece of cloth hides the dwarfs’ genitals as can be seen in an example from Candi Sambisari (PI. 6), but sometimes the genitals are visible as can be seen on the figures at Candi Mendut (PI. 3). Sometimes