Shrine stela

Description

heavy wood, greyish brown patina, lengthwise halved trunk, flattened to the front, the figural forms carved in contours, facial features, hands and breast ornament cut in linear grooves, slightly dam., cracks, traces of weathering (above all at the base);
wooden figures of the Himalayas are made by shamans until nowadays. They have various meanings, above all protective function: they guard bridges, natural founts, tracks and cross-ways, as well as the peoples dwellings. Sculptures in pairs are made on the occasion of weddings. Others are made when a beloved person leaves home, when a young men joins the army for example. The figures are placed on the family shrine, they are venerated in order to protect the soldier. Furtheron there are commemorative figures for deceased ancestors and votive figures.