What are the historical uses of rattan animal sculptures in rituals or ceremonies?

Rattan animal sculptures have played a significant role in various cultural rituals and ceremonies throughout history. These intricately crafted pieces, often symbolizing spiritual or totemic meanings, were used in rites of passage, harvest festivals, and ancestral worship. In Southeast Asia, rattan sculptures of animals like tigers or dragons were believed to ward off evil spirits during ceremonies. Indigenous tribes in Africa and the Americas incorporated them into healing rituals, attributing protective powers to their woven forms. Additionally, rattan animal figures were central to storytelling traditions, serving as physical representations of mythological beings in communal gatherings. Their lightweight yet durable nature made them ideal for ceremonial processions and symbolic offerings, bridging the human and spiritual worlds. Today, these sculptures remain a testament to the artistry and cultural heritage of their creators.