BAKOTA RELIQUARY GUARDIAN 25, wood, brass / copper, 22″,

These figures 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.”