Seated figure
Nepal
not available anymore
Provenance
Louis Nierijnck, Maastricht, The NetherlandsSize
H: 47 cm
H: 18.5 inch
Description
wood, matt brown patina, white pigment remains, hands in praying gesture, surface with traces of weathering and insect caused damage, minor missing parts, cracks;
in order to protect themselves against invisible evil spirits, the peole of the Himalaya carved protective deities made of wood, which were erected at important places, such as springs, bridges, temples or on rooftops. Such figures were even carved for living people, for example young men who joined the army. They were kept on family shrines and were venerated in order to protect the soldier.