Cultural depictions of elephants

Elephants have been depicted in mythology, symbolism and popular culture. They are both revered in religion and respected for their prowess in war. They also have negative connotations such as being a symbol for an unnecessary burden. Ever since the Stone Age, when elephants were represented by ancient petroglyphs and cave art, they have been portrayed in various forms of art, including pictures, sculptures, music, film, and even architecture.

Elephant scalp worn by Demetrius I of Bactria (205–171 BC), founder of the Indo-Greek Kingdom, as a symbol of his conquest. -British Museum, Dept. of Coins & Medals[1]
  1. ^ Plate 39 (23), A guide to the principal gold and silver coins of the ancients, from circ. B.C. 700 to A.D. 1 (1889); British Museum. Dept. of Coins and Medals : "AR. Demetrius"