\'Sri Padi III, \' statuette

Her attire is one of rich elegance, featuring verdant hues reminiscent of Bali\'s rice fields. Golden burst of light brighten her image as she is hailed throughout Bali as Sri Padi - the \"Rice Goddess.\" Crowned by an elaborate headdress, Sri Padi holds a pristine lotus flower near her heart as she gracefully bends towards the fields she blesses. Crocodile wood allows Nyoman Sedatayana the freedom to hand-carve the image with dedicated spirit, and the wood\'s white grain make it ideal for him to use a palette of oil paints. The Balinese attribute their bountiful crops to Sri�s blessings. She is Visnu\'s consort, and she is also known as the \"Rice Goddess\" or the \"Goddess of Vegetation.\" Every field is graced by numerous statuettes and altars as Sri is invoked to bless the crops, for rice is one of Bali\'s main source of sustenance. The Balinese believe their island to be the \"Island of the Gods\" because they are able to harvest rice three times a year, and for this they remain forever faithful to their celestial benefactors.