Guardian Spirit

Mark A. Johnson Tribal Art

This wood figure represents a guardian spirit, possibly in the form of the Thunder God.  The figure is in the classic archaic style with heart-shaped face, extended earlobes, pushed out chest and exaggerated muscular arms and legs.  The figure is poised, with bent knees, arms on thighs, as if ready to spring into action.  

It was once standing on top of a large post that was positioned at the river's edge leading up to the village entrance, so to intimidate enemies and malevolent spirits.

The weakest part of the sculpture is at the ankles, so it is not uncommon for these types of figures to break off at that point and fall into the river, especially during storms and floods, where it was later recovered.

Hardwood.

Price on Request.

Artwork details