STATUES
African, Indonesian, Nepal
Ritual Statues generally depict Gods, deities, Ancestor’s Spirits, Mythological beings, good and or evil spirits, the dead, animal spirits, and any other spirits believed to have power over humans. Many Spirits may be honored with ceremonies and gifts. Tribal Statues can be traced back to well past Paleolithic times. Statues were, and are still made of various materials, included is leather, metal, fabric and various types of wood. The Statues were used with music and dance in ritual performances for Protection, social control, education of the young, enhanced fertility or success, divination, status and entertainment. The figures usually depicted ancestors or spirits; most were venerated and offered prayers and sacrifices in exchange for protection and well-being. Some objects were felt to be magical and were believed to have great powers. These spirits may be perceived via the carvings of the Satue. Most carvings combine elements from several areas of mythology which interact with each other to tell a story. Each element has its own specific meaning and the way they are portrayed or combined is what gives a carving its own special character. The meanings of some elements vary from region to region but all share common roots.
