Akha Spirit Guardians At the crest of a densely forrested path in Northern Thailand, stand a bizarre arrangement of figures. Some appear to be totems, others might be voodoo altars, but it is the ancient primitive idols we find most arresting. The region is inhabited by the Akha tribe, a semi-nomadic people of Southern China. Distinct from mainstream Han or modern Thai culture, Akhas have a strong animist belief system that links them to nature and the spirit world. Their mountiantop homesteads are considered sacred territory which must be protected by magic ritual and power objects. An initiated carver, perhaps a shaman, intended these fierce sentinels for the vulnerable entranceway to the village. They are the spirit guardians of the people. Male and female couples also insure harmony, fertility and abundance for the tribe. Female: Height: 36 1/2 inches Width: 7 1/2 inches Depth: 6 1/2 inches Male: Height: 32 1/4 inches Width: 7 3/4 inches Depth: 7 inches Material: wood (hand carved and pointed) Culture: Akha hill tribe Country: Thailand Pair: $5400