Bolivian Carved Stone Turtle Amulet (Health Talisman)

This item is a hand-carved stone amulet in the shape of a turtle, purchased in 1985 at the Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) in La Paz, Bolivia. The figurine is crafted from a dark, dense, possibly basaltic or soapstone-like material with a matte black finish. The turtle's carapace (shell) is incised with traditional Andean folk-art motifs, featuring a central circular medallion depicting a stylized face with large concentric eyes, surrounded by scale-like patterns and geometric borders. The incisions are highlighted with a white powdery substance, a common technique in contemporary Bolivian artisan crafts to make carvings stand out against dark stone. The turtle's head and flippers are minimally rendered with textured scales. The piece measures approximately 3 to 4 inches in length. Regarding condition, there is a prominent chip or loss of material on the right-hand side of the shell, revealing a lighter, brownish interior stone or clay-like substrate. This damage suggests the item may be made of a compressed composite or a softer local stone. The overall surface shows light patina consistent with its mid-1980s origin, with some fading to the white inlay. This type of object is traditionally sold as a protective charm or ‘amuleto de salud’ (health amulet) within Aymara and Quechua spiritual practices.