Old ancestor figure from a local shrine

Description

wood, with bent knees in a half squatting/half sitting posture, expressive facial features: the eyes seem to be half closed, the mouth is opened, in combination with the praying gesture the figure seems to be absorbed in ardent prayer, nearly entirely coated with thick encrusted sacrificial patina (blood!), insect caused missing parts (right arm), traces of old age and weathering, cracks, rep. (base), wooden plate;
until today this primitive wooden sculptures are carved and dedicated by shamans. The figures are displayed in various places, for example in shelters at the edge of the village, where up to a dozen of such figures may possibly be found. Their only obvious meaning is their protective function: when placed at bridges they should guarantee the purity of the water and a secure crossing of the bridge; when placed at the rim of the village they sureley should protect the village community from malevolent spirits.