Anthropologie
"Elephant Deity" Coasters
Anthropologie
- Item
- "Elephant Deity" Coasters
- Retail
- $$
- Spin
- "Decorative marble coasters"
Anthropologie offered "Elephant Deity" coasters, featuring the profile of Lord Ganesha. These items were marketed as decorative marble coasters for general home use. This product positioned a revered deity as a utilitarian object, intended to be placed under drinks and dishes. This use is considered a significant cultural taboo in Hindu homes, where placing anything on top of or under sacred images is deeply disrespectful.
गणेश
Ganesha Iconography
- Region
- Pan-India
- True Value
- Sacred
- Category
- 08 · Textiles & Home Decor
Ganesha iconography, depicting the elephant-headed deity, is a sacred and widely recognized symbol across India and among Hindus globally. Revered as the remover of obstacles and the lord of beginnings, images of Ganesha are central to worship, adorning homes, temples, and businesses. Devotees offer prayers and respect to these representations, which embody profound spiritual significance and cultural heritage.
FX reference: 1 USD ≈ ₹83 — for comparison only
The Story
Anthropologie, a global lifestyle retailer, offered 'Elephant Deity' coasters for sale, marketed as decorative marble items. These coasters, featuring the imagery of a revered Hindu deity, were sold at a mid-range price point, intended for use under drinks and dishes. The product's design and intended function sparked significant controversy regarding cultural insensitivity.
The imagery on the coasters directly references Ganesha (गणेश), one of the most well-known and worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon, revered across India and by Hindus worldwide. Ganesha is the elephant-headed god, widely worshipped as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. Placing sacred images like Ganesha under objects like wine glasses or dirty dishes is considered a major cultural and religious taboo in Hindu homes, as it signifies disrespect and defilement of the divine.
The appropriation was called out by numerous Hindu community members and organizations who voiced strong objections. The primary concern was the misuse of sacred iconography for a mundane, commercial product, particularly in a manner considered deeply offensive within Hindu tradition. Critics highlighted the cultural taboo of placing divine images in such a context, accusing the brand of profound insensitivity and disrespect towards religious sentiments.
Lord Ganesha's profile placed under wine glasses and dirty dishes — a major cultural taboo in Hindu homes, packaged as decor.
Reporting forthcoming