Lon-jose

Year made: 1986-1987 

The smooth, creamy white alabaster brings out the intricate details of the turtle's shell and features, creating a lifelike representation that is truly breathtaking. Gilbert's attention to detail is evident in every curve and line of this exquisite carving, capturing the essence of this majestic creature with precision and grace. The choice to use alabaster as the medium for this piece adds a sense of delicacy and elegance, highlighting Gilbert's ability to work with different materials to bring his visions to life.

Turtle (Edo:wa): Turtle has always been esteemed because it carries its home on its back and goes with the flow of the river, not against it. In some mythologies, the first North Americans envisioned the continent as a turtle because it was surrounded by water. Turtle reminds us to respect Mother Earth.