18.5(47 cm) Traditional Balinese Wood Carving Guardian

18.5 (47 cm) Large Traditional Balinese Wood Carving Guardian. (Height: 18.5 inches 47 cm). 15 inches 38.1 cm. 17 inches 43.2 cm. (Base Depth 7 17.8 cm x Width 5 inches 12.7 cm). This is a wonderful example of Balinese temple art; this is a large solid wood carving of a guardian. This representation has alot of Garuda like features, the feet are more bird like and the wings are also longer this has a 16 wing spread. This is a vintage carving dating to the 1930’s. It has an excellent patina; the colors are right – highlighting all the intricate carved details. This is a different style than some of the others we have you can see the difference in the facial expression and the mane features. The feet are also expressed differently. This one has a nice exaggerated tail very lion like. This carving is in excellent condition no cracks or checks in the wood, one of the wingtips is missing (an unfortunate weakness in these statues) otherwise really nice. The wings and tail can be removed. Please see all the photos for the composition and condition of this Balinese artifact. This is from our Balinese collection of wood carvings that we have acquired over the years. We have culled through hundreds to find the best examples of Balinese art. Barong, a mystical creature with a long back and curved tail, represents the affirmative, the protector of mankind, the glory of the high sun, and the favorable spirits associated with the right and white magic. Somewhere in a mythical past, the Barong was won over to the side of humanity, and, in the play, fights on behalf of the people against the intruding death force of Rangda. The way that the guardian Barong is represented varies: this statue seems to be styled after a lion based on his overall facial appearance and exaggerated tail. These guardians are often placed in the rafters of temples and provide divine protection against evil forces. All items are sent fully insured, always, no matter what. Multiple items will be packaged in a single box only when possible without potential damage to an object. It is my intention to be as clear and accurate as possible. In the event I make an error, I will always do my best to remedy the situation. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Bali Carving, Balinese, Hardwood, Hand carved mahogany, Shiva, Garuda, Ramayana, Barong, Hindu, base relief carving. Balinese Hinduism is deeply interwoven with art and ritual and is concerned with a myriad of local and ancestral spirits. Balinese Hinduism is a heterogeneous amalgam in which gods and demigods are worshipped together with Buddhist heroes, the spirits of ancestors, indigenous agricultural deities and also with places considered sacred. Religion as it is practiced in Bali is a composite belief system that embraces not only theology, philosophy, and mythology, but ancestor worship, animism and magic. It pervades nearly every aspect of traditional life. The item “18.5(47 cm) Traditional Balinese Wood Carving Guardian” is in sale since Monday, February 15, 2010. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Cultures & Ethnicities\Asian\1900-Now\Indonesian”. The seller is “toronita1″ and is located in Port Orange, Florida. This item can be shipped worldwide.