Title
Foundation offering in the form of a miniature turtle
Year/Period
Between 900-1400 centuries
Region
Java, Indonesia
Object Type
Dimension
Object size: L 3.4 x W 1.6
Accession No.
1997-03750
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Ng
This gold ornament in the shape of a turtle was probably deposited as a votive object in the foundation of a temple or other important building. It symbolises the Indonesian Hindu deity, Bedawang Nala, an avatar of Vishnu known in Indian mythology as Kurma. Kurma is believed to support the earth in the cosmological Sea of Milk, keeping it from sinking.
