Works of art from centuries ago often confound us with extraordinary symbols and imagery. Even representations of humans and animals can appear as a product of the artist's imagination; when, in fact, there were definite reasons for apparently arcane symbolism. This striking polychrome figure shows a woman sitting with her hands clasped tightly to her sides and her feet stuck straight out. White and black geometric patterns on the body seem to present two separate ideas- ritual scarification or body paint, and clothing and personal items of decoration. The first category is represented by complex designs on the arms and breasts, beautifully interweaving within the contours of the body. At the back of the head is a large solid circle surrounded by a narrow orb, which contrasts with the bulging whites of her eyes. The extraordinarily intense stares suggest she is a sorcerer in a trance. This fact makes her apparel even more intriguing- the slim cloth covering the pubic region, a beautiful necklace and headband. The overall impression is of a shaman having been modeled from life; captured in art at the moment of witnessing visions of secret realms.