Wood figurine, 'Journey of the Black Turtle'

Ageless, the turtle has come to symbolize immortality. People in Bali believe turtles have an enviable and god-like resistance to aging; they also see them as a link between heaven and earth. Turtles are considered to be temporary dwelling places for souls making their way through a series of lives on the path to Nirvana. Inspired by such beliefs, Nyoman Karsa carves from local sono wood a life-like image of the revered turtle.