Squatting figure ·  Népal · ID: 3033403

Description

wood, greyish brown patina, encrusted in some areas, hands in praying gesture, the surface shows strong 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.

Littérature comparée

Als die Götter noch jung waren, Offenburg 2002, p. 22 f.