Standing shrine figure

Description

wood, party encrusted patina, remains of pigments and kaolin, of stylized form, both hands resting on the chest, dam., missing parts, traces of weathering;
great numbers of such figures can be found in special shelters in the peripheral area of the villages. Each statue symbolizes a deceased ancestor. The spirits of the deceased were honoured and dreaded at the same time. Only little is known about the origin and function of the figures of the Himalaya up to nowadays, the only obvious meaning is their protective function.