Kara

Kara, 2021
Yulia Shtern, Magical Zoo Series
20 1/2 x 13 x 18”
upcycled materials, glue, varnish
9200

Black Pakistan Cobra (Naja naja karachiensis), considered by some to be one of the subspecies of Indian cobra, is widely distributed throughout the Pakistani province of Southern Punjab. An average length of a Black cobra is 40 – 60” (100-150 cm). It is dark in colour, with smooth scales, and a distinctive pattern on its hood. Cobras hiss and flare their hoods to show that they are about to strike. While their venom is highly toxic and potentially lethal, around 90% of all bites on humans are venom-less warning bites. Cobras are timid and prefer escape to confrontation. But they become dangerous if provoked, attacking viciously, and moving with remarkable speed and agility. The average lifespan of a black cobra is 24 years. They usually mate for life. A female cobra lays 12-25 eggs, and unlike most other snakes, fiercely guards them, striking anyone trying to approach. Black cobras are the ones often seen with snake charmers. In fact, snakes cannot hear. The “dance” is the result of the snake being provoked into the strike position. This art form is banned as of 1972. Cobras play an important role in the culture and mythology of the region, and are considered a deity.
Black cobras are not listed as endangered. However they are hunted for their skin, their hood patterns, and their venom. Cobras are a protected species under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act.
The name Kara means “love” in the Cornish language, “black” in Turkish, “pure” in Greek, and “the wild, stormy one” in the Scandinavian languages.