A beautiful and very intricately carved statue of the Hindu Deity Vishnu riding his Vahana (mount) Garuda. The quality of the carving is really incredible and the statue must have been made by an extremely talented artist.
Vishnu riding Garuda is a common theme in Balinese sculpture. Vishnu, in Hindu mythology, is said to be the preserver and protector of the universe, keeper and giver of life and considered the most merciful of the Hindu gods. Garuda, apart from being the Vahana of Vishnu, is also said to be the enemy of all snakes.
There is some minor damage to the tip of Garuda's nose but apart from that the statue is in excellent condition.