Vintage Artisan-Carved Kigango: Giriama Peoples of Kenya Original Chinese imperial roof tiles were

Chinese imperial roof tiles were traditionally used as protective "roof charms" to ward off evil spirits and offer spiritual protection to buildings

and mythological figures

Elsa Mercado is a notable Nicaraguan folk artist specializing in hand-carved art pottery

The figure in the scene wears a vulture headdress

Traveling Man Treasures Curiosity Vault is a small vintage/antique/antiquity shop located in NE Portland Oregon focused on selling hard-to-find culturally & historically diverse items

Vintage Artisan-Carved Kigango: Giriama Peoples of Kenya Original Chinese imperial roof tiles wereTraveling Man Treasures is selling this mid 20th century hand carved wooden Kigango, a traditional commemorative or mortuary post created by the Giriama people, who belong to the larger Mijikenda ethnic group along the coast of Kenya. This piece is in excellent structural condition with notable weathering throughout. Kigango statues are characterized by an elongated, flat wooden plank made of highly durable wood; the torso area is heavily decorated