nice gifts for women

The OM symbol, representing all sounds and symbolizing the essence of the universe, is nestled among frangipani blossoms in this magnificent hand carved suar wood wall relief panel by Balinese artisan Seji Taram.

Known as om or aum, omkara is the root of all sounds, emitted as a mantra during meditation. It is believed all desires will vanish, thus attaining self-realization and the highest of knowledge. This one letter symbolizes the most high in the Hindu pantheon, representing every kind of trinity such as Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva, past-present-future, birth-life-death; creation-preservation-destruction, and waking-dreaming-deep sleep.

A frangipani flower crowns the face of a Balinese woman. Depicting her portrait in hibiscus wood, Eka presents this exquisite mask. Hibiscus wood varies widely in its tones and patterns, thus each mask is an absolutely unique work of art.

According to Indonesian mythology, Barong is a lion-like creature that is believed to bring protection from evil. He is depicted here in this wood mask by Made Mulyani, hand-carved from acacia wood with a fierce, fanged face and intricate decorations painted gold.

A symbol of all that is evil, Rangda's wicked glare is terrifying. Made Mulyani carves the witch's mask from acacia wood with exquisite detail. Described in the Hindu epic Ramayana, she is the Balinese manifestation of Durga, goddess of the underworld.

Please note that wood color and grain can vary significantly from one piece to the next; this makes each mask a unique piece of art.

Barong appears in this fascinating wall sculpture from Eka. Also known as Bhoma, he represents the goodness that destroyed the evil Rangda. His adventures are reenacted in the form of a dance and his image is also hung on doors in Bali to ward off evil spirits.

The recurrent theme of the dragon in Balinese art underscores the legendary animal's divinity in their culture, a motif that has not escaped the artistic eye of Seji Taram. Believed to be the guardian of the gods, this baby suar wood dragon with wings fiercely protects the sanctity of the home.