A GANDAU MODEL. Kalash / Kafiristan.

EXCEPTIONALLY RARE PIECES
 
A GANDAU MODEL. Kalash People / Kafiristan.
 
The Kalasha ("Kalash Kafirs") are the last non-Islamic people of the Hindu Kush mountains of northern Pakistan.
 
Gandaus are life size figures traditionally carved by the Kalash people in Chitral, Pakistan. These figures are often carved from one piece of wood and take the form of of the deceased. They are usually erected over the grave by the son of the individual who has died.
These models resemble full-size gandaus, they were made for a different purpose: for sale to visitors to the region in the early 20th century
 
Gandaus are life-sized male and female effigies carved from wood (usually deodar or Himalayan Cedar ) by the Kalasha people in Pakistan and, formerly, by the Nuristani people in Afghanistan. Gandaus are often intricately carved, painted and draped with items of clothing. Considered to be imbued with the spirit of the deceased, the figures are placed near coffins. Notably, they are not exact portraits of the deceased but generally uniform and stylised representations. There are three types: standing, seated and equestrian figures. Male figures are more common than female and are generally carved either standing or on horseback, with the horse having either one or two heads. The two-headed horse figure is a particularly potent symbol of power, representing the highest status that can be accorded through a gandau to a Kalasha individual. Male figures carved wearing turbans denote authority and bravery. 
 
 SOME MINOR CHIPS ONE STONE EYE MISSING.