cultural sculpture

Shaped of clay and painted by hand, a colorful dove is formed. Walter Jose Acosta replicates the art from Peru's ancient Nazca culture. The vessel is treated to look like an aged archaeological treasure. For decorative use only.

Set on a white onyx base, sodalite is captivating in this egg-shaped sculpture by Cesar Gonzalez. Throughout the ages and ancient cultures, a gemstone egg symbolizes the spark of creation. Featuring natural calcite streaks and patches, sodalite is credited with fostering inner peace.

The artist explains that the Kalaho bird is a symbol of peace, and is much respected by the Senufo peoples from northern Cote d'Ivoire. He explains that in his culture the graceful kalaho bird is rarely seen; that they are shy birds, avoiding humans and conflict. And that seeing one is a good omen.Salihu Ibrahim carves the kalaho from sese wood, adding details in cream to the beautiful sculpture.

[This is a single sculpture; photo showcases two angles]"'No War' stands for the human right to love within a world of peace and friendship," says the artist, "While historically and socially constructed ethnic and cultural identities further divide the collective, each human retains the right to choose which face they show to the world; one of love, or one of hate. There will be war if there is a conflict, but there will be peace if there is love.

"This world's human race is diverse," the artist continues. "I want to show that ethnic and cultural differences can coexist peacefully. If humans have love and good friendship, they can create a beautiful world."

Depicted on this sculpture are polar opposite faces, one that seeks peace, and another that desires war. Thailand's Somyot Sawasdee wishes to advance global peace, and to create a beautiful world for future generations. He strives to help advance that goal through the power of art.

Sawasdee crafted this one-of-a-kind sculpture from local recycled paper mixed with cement for rigidity. In a process perfected through years of experimentation, the artist intentionally supports efforts to "divert waste from landfills, to further societal cooperation."The artist explains (translated from Thai), the sculpture "holds the word 'NO WAR,' in which N = human; O = love; W = world; A = peace; R = friendship."

In Balinese culture, Tri Kaya Parisudha is a philosophy that promotes positive thoughts, words and deeds, composed by three purified actions known as Manacika, Wacika and Kayika. Artisans from the Subrata Family in Indonesia carve and paint by hand a compelling suar wood sculpture of a man practicing Manacika and looking to achieve harmony and peace in life by the power of positive thinking.

"Positive thinking helps people do right and speak the truth. Positive and right thinking are the way to a harmonious life. With right and positive thinking, our behavior will be good and positive, including with our words. If all of creation thinks positively and does right, the world will be peaceful and not have more war, violence, or conflict, and so we will all prosper," say the artisans.

This peaceful, beautifully hand-carved suar wood relief panel features a floral motif encircling the great om symbol — a mantra of healing and peace that Hindu and Buddhist traditions believe flows through every particle in the universe. In yoga, the om is believed to replenish the body and soul.

With this inspired wall sculpture, Indonesian artisan Made Mulyani aims to share the simplicity and happiness she finds in her craft and culture with a larger audience.

A girl is slender and graceful, depicted in a stylized sandstone portrait. Wayan Kandiyasa captures the serenity and peace of his sleeping subject as well as her beauty.

Famous for his wisdom and intelligence, elephant-headed Ganesha is one of Hinduism's most worshipped deities. Balinese artisan Wayan Kandiyasa hand carves the statuette from pale sandstone, carefully engraving the reclining god with intricate, life-like details.

Much respected by the Senufo from northern Cote d'Ivoire, the graceful kalaho stands as a symbol of peace if it is seen, for these shy birds avoid humans. Salihu Ibrahim carves the kalaho from sese wood, adding details in deep blue to the beautiful sculpture.

"Akiligo is a god that is worshipped by northerners, and if the god is pacified during the Harmattan season it gives the people a bountiful harvest. Akiligo is often believed to bless his devotees with rains, abundance and peace of mind." Inspired by this generous god, artisan Emmanuel Austin Ankude hand-carves a sese wood sculpture in a traditional style. The final touch is the steel ring on the figure's headdress.

"Agorkoli is a peaceful Togolese god that led the Ewe people from Togo to Ghana where they reside now," says artisan Emmanuel Austin Ankude of his original sculpture. He works in native sese wood to hand-carve the intriguing statuette.

Carved from albesia wood, this fascinating sculpture depicts two men carrying tedung, the ceremonial umbrellas used in Balinese Hindu temples. Anak Agung Ary crafts the sculpture from albesia wood and paints it by hand with an antiqued finish.