Front view 

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An antique wooden guardian figure from the Jajarkot area of West Nepal. Such guardian figures were placed at points such as springs, bridges and cross roads where they assumed the duty of fending off malevolent entities and other dangers, which tend to congregate in such areas. Often seen with hands in the "namaskar" gesture of reverence and greeting, this important example is distinguished by the whimsical form of an anthropomorphic figure with head resting on his hands. A rare form and still in good condition.

Tribal art aficionados will note the similarity of these Nepalese primitive wooden figures to similar pieces from the Indonesian Archipelago, as well as Africa, and Oceania. These types of cross cultural parallels among peoples separated by vast geographic distances is quite fascinating. Brings to mind Jung's concept of archetypes that are an innate psychological component of humanity, and which therefore reveal themselves with only minor variation amongst groups separated in both time and space. I think this is why so many of us are attracted to tribal / primitive art - it strikes a very deep chord within our being. We connect with our common humanity, and sense something closer to essence - uncorrupted by generations of urban domestication and an overdeveloped material environment - the "affliction of comfort" so many of us in the west are stricken with. We catch a glimpse of our own reflection, but an untamed and raw likeness, that refreshes and invigorates us.