Elephants have been revered and celebrated in various cultures throughout history. Their majestic presence, intelligence, and significant roles in religion, mythology, and history have cemented their position in art and culture worldwide. Here's an overview of elephants in art and culture:

1. Religion & Mythology:

• Hinduism: One of the most widely recognized deities in Hinduism is Lord Ganesha, characterized by an elephant's head. He's revered as the remover of obstacles and the patron of arts and sciences.
• Buddhism: The Buddha is often depicted in art with elephants. Legend tells that Queen Maya, the mother of the Buddha, dreamt of a white elephant presenting her with a lotus flower, a symbol of the divine birth of the Buddha.

2. Ancient Civilizations:

• Indus Valley Civilization: Seals with elephant carvings have been discovered from this ancient civilization, suggesting the animal's importance.
• Ancient Rome: Elephants were used in gladiatorial combat and were depicted in various artworks, including mosaics.

3. Art:

• Paintings & Sculptures: Throughout Asia, especially in India, Thailand, and Cambodia, elephants are common subjects in traditional paintings and intricate sculptures.
• Literature: Elephants have been the protagonists or central figures in many stories, fables, and poems across cultures.

4. Symbolism:

• Elephants often symbolize strength, wisdom, and loyalty. In many African cultures, they represent leaders or kings due to their strength and longevity.
• Their long trunks and tusks are also symbols of longevity and power in various cultures.

5. Cultural Festivals & Rituals:

• Thailand: The Elephant Round-up Festival in Surin celebrates these magnificent creatures with various events, including tug-of-war and soccer matches.
• India: In the state of Kerala, the Thrissur Pooram festival is renowned for its grand procession of caparisoned elephants.

6. Modern Pop Culture:

• Elephants have been featured in modern movies, books, and music. They are often used to represent memory, familial bonds, or the broader themes of conservation and wildlife protection.

7. Conservation & Symbol of Protection:

• Given the threats elephants face today, from poaching to habitat loss, they've become a symbol of wildlife conservation. Many artworks and cultural campaigns today focus on elephants to raise awareness about their declining populations and the need for protection.

8. Global Influence:

• From the carved ivory of ancient cultures to the modern digital art of today, the elephant's influence transcends borders. It's a creature celebrated from the African savannas to the jungles of Asia.

Elephants hold a revered place in art and culture, representing a myriad of meanings from wisdom and power to religious significance. As we move further into an age of conservation, their image also serves as a potent reminder of the importance of wildlife preservation.