Kadru, probably first half of the 20th century, 24.5 cm, private collection In Hindu tradition, nagas are mythical beings that take the form of snakes. They have an ambivalent nature: the body of the naga Vasuki is used by the gods and demons to extract the nectar of immortality (amrita) during the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, but the venom of nagas can also bring death, and it is the bite of Takshaka, king of the nagas, that kills King Parikshit, leading his son Janamejaya

Vishnu on Mount Mandara, with the naga Vasuki and the turtle Kurma, likely early 20th century, 37 cm, private collection The sculpture was carved from a light-colored, lightweight wood – likely panggal buaya, or crocodile wood. A male figure stands at the top of a rocky mass. He wears an ornate headdress and richly decorated garments. He performs a ritual gesture, holding a botanical element between his palms joined against his chest. A fantastical serpent figure, itself ador