When Elephants Became Icons of Ceremony, Spectacle, and Power

For centuries, elephants have occupied a unique place in human history, not merely as animals of immense size and strength, but as living symbols of power, wealth, spirituality, and spectacle. All Dressed Up explores this extraordinary relationship, focusing on the elaborate ways elephants have been adorned, displayed, and celebrated across cultures, ceremonies, and entertainment.

Symbols of Status and Ceremony

In royal courts and religious traditions, elephants were more than participants, they were centrepieces. Lavishly decorated with embroidered cloths, gold ornaments, bells, and painted designs, ceremonial elephants became moving expressions of authority and reverence. In parts of Asia, particularly India and Sri Lanka, they featured prominently in temple festivals and state processions, reinforcing the connection between rulership, religion, and ritual. The splendour of these events was carefully choreographed, with elephants trained to move in unison, enhancing the spectacle and reinforcing their symbolic importance.

Elephants in Processions and Public Celebrations

Large-scale festivals and civic celebrations often featured long processions of elephants, each adorned to reflect wealth and prestige. These gatherings drew huge crowds and were seen as indicators of a ruler’s prosperity and influence. In some cultures, the number of elephants and the richness of their decorations were deliberate displays of power, an unmistakable visual language understood by all who watched.

From Royal Courts to the Circus Ring

As public entertainment evolved, elephants transitioned from ceremonial roles into travelling shows and circuses. Here, their adornment took on a theatrical flair, costumes, headdresses, and props designed to captivate audiences. The book documents how elephants became central attractions in Western circuses, performing choreographed routines, balancing acts, and even dance-like movements that blurred the line between awe and illusion.

Notably, All Dressed Up references internationally renowned performers and trainers, including Russian circus acts that toured Australia in the 1990s, where elephants performed elaborate routines lasting many minutes, sometimes too long for modern attention spans. These performances showcased both the animals’ intelligence and the increasing scale of circus spectacle.

Spectacle Versus Sensitivity

As attitudes shifted, the presentation of elephants in entertainment became more controversial. What was once celebrated as grandeur began to be questioned through the lens of animal welfare and ethics. The book does not shy away from this tension, acknowledging that while elephants were once “all dressed up” to delight crowds, modern audiences increasingly ask whether such displays are appropriate.

A Living Legacy

Despite changing perceptions, elephants remain deeply woven into cultural identity, ceremony, and memory. From ancient temples to modern festivals, their decorated presence continues to evoke wonder, nostalgia, and debate. All Dressed Up captures this complex legacy, one that reflects humanity’s enduring fascination with elephants and our evolving responsibility toward them.