Decipher the unusual statues of the year 1,400 years

Archaeologists at the University of Ghana and Manchester said the strange clay statues found in Africa could be used by ancient people to heal.

Statue of a crocodile

In addition to the two-headed statue, there are also chameleon, crocodile and horse-riding figures. The statues of people with a height of 31cm are painted costumes and carry weapons. They were used by people in Ghana 1,400 years ago.

Statue of animal riders equipped with weapons when traveling far (left) and statue of Janus with two heads (right)

According to Professor Insoll from Manchester University, these statues are probably used in rituals and can be used to increase the effectiveness of herbs when taken into human bodies. Or it can be used to sacrifice people to eliminate diseases and unhappiness.

Evidence of statues shows congenital diseases in humans such as lack of brain (a deformity missing most of the skull during embryonic development). This is a malformation that still haunts children in Africa today. At the same time, there are symbolic statues when associated with animal figures like the statue of a beast.

Animal heads

Statue of a woman

Upon further investigation, the team also discovered that these statues in mounds may be smoking temples in a village of Yikpabongo in Koma Land in northern Ghana. Currently these mysterious statues are being exhibited at the Museum of Manchester, England until May 5, 2014.