Wood Statues At Charnel-Houses of Co Tu People

Many charnel houses with special wood statues of Co To ethnic minority people are preserved in Thuong Long commune in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue. Co Tu people’s charnel-houses are built along forest edge. The size of charnel-houses depends on the position of families. The roofs of charnel-houses are often carved with buffalo or chicken heads, with colorful patterns. The most special item in charnel-houses are statues placed on coffins. The most popular statues are a set of four statues, with three men and one woman. One man is singing, one is drumming and one is holding a spear. The woman is dancing. Statues wear colorful costumes, especially statues at charnel-houses of rich families. There are also statues that show the positions of families. Besides the set of four statues, charnel-houses of rich families often have statues of an old man who holds a jar of gold or silver or beautiful girls who are singing and dancing. Statues are placed in charnel-houses to follow to serve the dead. (Vietnam Net May 19)