Stepped longhouse ladder, Himalayan hardwood, carved as a guardian figure with hands in supplicant posture. While performing a necessary utilitarian function, pieces such as these provided a spiritually protected passage into and out of the longhouse. Garung, Middle Hills, Nepal. Late 19th century. Strongly patinated, steeped in smoke offerings, and with some weathering at the base
Measurements: Height 1.86 metres, width at base 30 cm, average width of pole 10 cm