Ancestor Figure

The purpose of figures of this type is to lend the protection of ancestors to unborn children, aid in their safe delivery, and to protect people from wicked spells and evil.

Standing male ancestor figure, carved out of wood. The large head is pointed in back, topped with a flat, decorated hat, and sits on a long neck carved with a regular pattern of rectangles. The figure’s arms are bent and the hands attach to the body at the hips. Four fingers are carved into the right hand. A narrow chest tops a protruding stomach at front, while buttocks are carved prominently at rear. The legs are short and stocky. The right foot is a rounded block with the carved toes; the left foot is half the size of the right, due to missing portions. The figure wears a carved belt.