Group of shrine figures

Description

wood, middle brown patina, small remains of original patina, three figures, back to back, arranged in a circle, in nearly identical posture (hands in praying gesture, straddled legs), one of the figures especially accentuated by larger size and headdress, slightly dam., missing parts, the surface structure marked by extreme traces of weathering and insect caused damage, lichen and encrustations with clay in some areas, cracks;
each statue symbolizes a deceased ancestor. The spirits of the deceased were honoured and dreaded at the same time. An important aspect of the figures is their protective function.