BAKOTA STYLE RELIQUARY GUARDIAN 37

Old Bakota reliquary figures are very rare. Despite its appearance, this figure shows no evidence of age or use and was probably made to be sold.

Figures like these were mounted on containers holding relics of important clan ancestors, serving as guardians. Two-dimensional and sheathed in metal (brass or copper), the figures include projecting shapes around the face that refer to elaborate coiffures, and a diamond shape below the neck that is an abstracted body form. The guardians with 2 faces were considered twice as protective.