The Creator-goddess of ancient China, Neu-kwa [Nu Kua or Nu Gua], is here depicted like Echidna, of Greek mythology, with only the head of a woman.  However, she is usually described as having the upper body of a woman that melts into her serpent lower-half.  After creation, during which she made humans, she put down a rebellion against heavenly order.  When the dying rebel chief shook the heavenly pillars, she restored the sky by melting turquoises.

Nu Huashi also used the toes of the cosmic tortoise (Kashyapa, of Indian mythology) as markers for the compass' directions.  She restored the land at the time of the Flood with the ash from  burnt reeds. Since she is credited with establishing the custom of marriage, she is considered the source of human order, too (like the Egyptian Ma'at.)  The queen of all nagas, she combines and embodies creativity, cosmic order, water, earth and sky.