In Indian dance, sculpture, and ritual, a specific hand
motion (hasta) is utilized.
The arm is stretched straight out with the hand softly
curling down in the gaja ("elephant") hasta; the curved arm is
fancifully equated to an elephant's trunk.
Discover more about Hindu Art, Architecture, and Iconography here.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.