Alligator Snapping Turtle Effigy

8" long
Commercial clay, hand built, kiln fired, smoke fired.
 
The Caddo would often create effigies (sculptures of animals or figures) in honor of entities that were around them in their life environment. The alligator snapping turtle, one of the largest turtles in the world, can weigh up to 200 lbs and can bite a broom handle clean in half. They live in the bottom of swampy rivers, ponds, and lakes. Watch your toes!!