Magar tribal carving of a praying Guardian figure

A fine old carved wood Guardian Figure or Village Protector from the Magar shamanistic culture of West Nepal. The figure squats and has both hands brought together and raised up as if in prayer. The head is large, rounded, the face flattened and with chiseled brow ridge and features, the chin rounded. Lighter dry aged surface with some worm-holes. Stabilized. Such figures were commonly placed by springs or in houses, to act as guardians and protectors.

From the Magar culture, Western Nepal.
Height: 11.8 inches (30.1 cm
TB30