Page 6 - 2003 SVALBARD, NORWAY

The other important pieces decorate the bridge and are wonderful

depictions of nude human beings in all age groups from infants to
dead bodies, in all kinds of gatherings, whispering, giggling,

wrestling, debating, courting, struggling, etc. Much emphasis
placed on family life and the circular nature of life itself. The
statues are life-size and larger and carved of granite. The stone has

been polished so that it feels quite silky and it is amazing to feel
ribs and spines when you touch the statues (which you are

encouraged to do) because often those features are not obvious
to the eyes. A theme of many of the statues is man in relationship

to the tree(s) of life and often the figures are depicted within the
“toils” of trees or climbing in them and out of them. Again,

everybody from babies to old folks are found within the “cages” of
these tree sculptures. Very impressive and quite a beautiful
setting as well.