Vigango, late 19th-early 20th century, 71 x 4 7/16 x 1 13/16 in. (180.3 x 11.3 x 4.6 cm), Wood, pigment, Kenya, 19th-20th century, This memorial figure honors a deceased relative, a male member of the Gohu Society. When a problem arose within the family or village, the spirit of a deceased relative who was a Gohu Society member would appear to a living relative in a dream. The spirit would mediate and remedy the problem by giving guidance to the dreamer. Two relatives would only appear when problems were severe.
Vigango, late 19th-early 20th century, 71 x 4 7/16 x 1 13/16 in. (180.3 x 11.3 x 4.6 cm), Wood, pigment, Kenya, 19th-20th century, This memorial figure honors a deceased relative, a male member of the Gohu Society. When a problem arose within the family or village, the spirit of a deceased relative who was a Gohu Society member would appear to a living relative in a dream. The spirit would mediate and remedy the problem by giving guidance to the dreamer. Two relatives would only appear when problems were severe.