Standing ancestor figure "bavong tchitchiri"

Description

wood, matt brown patina, remains of kaolin, of abstract form without recognizable facial features, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, traces of weathering and abrasion;
“bavong tchitchiri” figures represent a near ancestor of the head of the family. They were displayed on the family altar “bavong” and should protect the whole family. Only the male descendants of diviners were allowed to carve “tchitchiri” figures.