Japanese Artist Maico Akiba Creates Tiny Ecosystems on Animals’ Backs

Japanese artist <a title="Maico Akiba Crafts Migrating Animals Carrying Pieces of Civilization" href="http://www.maicoakiba.com/" target="_blank">Maico Akiba</a> crafts tiny ecosystems on the backs of tortoises, gorillas and polar bears. Simply called ‘Sekai’ (World), this intricately crafted collection figures is both <a title="Maico Akiba Crafts Migrating Animals Carrying Pieces of Civilization" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawaii" target="_blank">kawaii</a> and a bit odd.

<a title="Maico Akiba Crafts Migrating Animals Carrying Pieces of Civilization" href="http://www.maicoakiba.com/" target="_blank">Maico Akiba</a> is fond of sculpting, and she also draws and illustrates children’s books.

Her pieces often reflect the passing of time with rusty textures and growing moss.

Akiba's ‘Sekai’ series features animals from around the globe carrying a bit of civilization on their backs.

Gorillas, <a title="Maico Akiba Crafts Migrating Animals Carrying Pieces of Civilization" href="http://inhabitat.com/peanut-the-story-behind-the-poor-sea-turtle-deformed-by-a-six-pack-ring/" target="_blank">tortoises</a>, polar bears and even an <a title="Maico Akiba Crafts Migrating Animals Carrying Pieces of Civilization" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armadillo" target="_blank">armadillo</a> transport tiny forests, houses and people.

The figures are open to interpretation, although they could represent <a title="Maico Akiba Crafts Migrating Animals Carrying Pieces of Civilization" href="http://listofeverything.wordpress.com/2011/03/04/list-of-animals-that-migrate-animal-migration-list/" target="_blank">migrating animals</a> looking for a better life while having to put up with human ‘progress’ on their backs.

Akiba’s Sekai sculptures are also available in even tinier versions designed to be used as cell phone straps.