Hand Carved Wood Snake Sculpture 'Cobra'

In an amazing display of his eye for detail and steady hand, Wayan Rendah carves accacia wood into an incredibly realistic portrayal of a poisonous cobra. The serpent's arched head and coiled tail reveal its strength and charisma in a powerful way. In Bali, the cobra is considered a holy serpent, often portrayed in the company of Siwa, the god of balance. Siwa is one of the three gods in Bali that governs birth, life and death. Siwa is often shown with a cobra that rests on his head and around his neck while he peacefully sits in a meditative state.