Joanne McIntyre - 1 February 2018

This amazing sculpture - the world's largest of an elk - is made from highly polished 316 stainless steel and is designed to improve road safety.

 The Big Elk, which was designed by Norwegian artist Linda Bakke, stands on the Bjøråa picnic area in Stor-Elvdal municipality midway between Oslo and Trondheim in Norway. Manufactured in China by Dry Art Ltd, the elk stands 10.3 meters high and is 11.5 meters long.

The landmark is intended to have several functions. It’s the main role of the sculpture, apart from its being inherently beautiful, is to attract drivers attention and increase road safety. As an important reference point on the road between Oslo and Trondheim, the Elk invites drivers to stop and stretch their legs and rest, thereby combatting fatigue.

The Big Elk has also focused attention on the animals and has become a regional symbol.

Sparebanken Hedmark art fund provided NOK 2 million (207,000 euros) to produce the sculpture.