carvings

In this magnificent mahogany mask, Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family captures the beauty and poise of Sita, wife of the Hindu Lord Rama. She works the wood with supreme mastery and exquisite detail. Sita's smooth complexion is framed by an intricate headdress, allowing for a remarkable contrasting texture.

In the Ramayana epic, Sita is kidnapped by Rawana, the demon-king, and held hostage in his palace. Rawana coaxes Sita to stay with him and be his lover. Sita shields herself from Rawana's lust long enough for her husband, Rama, and an army of monkeys to rescue her. Sita now represents supreme devotion and compassion.

Carving native cempaka wood into an elegant relief panel, Ketut Sandi pays tribute to nature. He depicts a beautiful lotus blossom amid a halo of luscious foliage in a lily pond.

The Hindu lord with an elephant head graces the lid of a suar wood box. By Eka, this decorative box holds a secret. Four pieces link together like a puzzle to hide personal treasures inside, guarded by the auspicious Ganesha.

A contemplative Buddha takes on the face of nature in this mesmerizing mask by Gung Gus. Detailed with vivid artistry, the mask is carved by hand of seasoned crocodile wood. This inspiring piece is delicately painted with acrylics.

Indonesian artisan Ira S. creates a wonderful wood sculpture of two robins happily enjoying their new home. The sculpture's hand-painted work is meticulous and outstanding as are the carvings done by hand on suar wood for the birds completed by the fine teak base.

Carved by hand from sleek African ebony, five ducklings swim together. Ghana's Francis Agbete names the set Kpakpa fome — "the duck family" in the Ewe language. "We should know we all belong to a family," he says. "These carvings remind each one of it."