STATUES

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 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.