Featured Carved wood figure w heads

There's a main figure and then numerous smaller ones, as you can see. Perhaps it was attached to something else once, though that's not clear.

Most interesting is the rectangular hole in the back with what seems like paper stuffed in it. Looks like it has writing on it. I have not removed it, but can if it's "safe" to do so...

Thank you!



Bottom:

 

I doubt you'll suffer from the paper removal...'tho the paper may.

 

some type of sacred item.......

 

Looks like a Buddha to me, surrounded by people. The slips of paper may have prayers or bits of scripture.

 

What's on the paper, or the paper itself may be relevant. I'd want to take a look and keep a record.

 

I'd keep it in. If for no other reason, the paper seems to be made of some fibre and could tear if you start pulling at it.

Interesting figure, it caught my eye in the other thread.
I feel I've seen something like it before, but I can't quite put my finger on the origin.

 

This was my first thought , a Navajo storyteller. I have never seen an old one before so don't know what it would look like.

 

There are some similarities in form for sure.

 

So I finessed one piece of paper out of the hole on the back. Chinese, I believe. Different writing on each side.

There's more in the hole still, but it seems even more fragile, so I quit while I was ahead.

 

well now you've disturbed the spirits......... run & hide !!

or ...make a sacrificial offering.....& put the writing back...

 

I know it was a risk!! Yikes.

 

I came across this statue while googling Guanyin and children:

 

Very similar!

 

we need a translation..........before yer little buddy falls off ..!!!

 

sorry but............

 

Yours is probably a more rural piece, and older, but a similar concept.

 

This wood carving of another bodhisattva also has a cavity on the back. In one photo it says:

"A storage space at the back of this figure (called zhuangzang) was added to store consecration materials."

This seems likely to me.


https://collections.asianart.org/collection/guanyin/

 

My defense: I was seeking to be enlightened about this item!

 

Yes, that is what they generally are, which is why I never touch them. Not because I'm scared, but out of respect for the sanctity of the piece.
I have several Himalayan bronzes with consecrated texts in them, but I have never opened them. I feel it is not my place to, even if they're in my home.