The clay Testaments
The outer decoration generally depicts the circum¬stances of the person's death, or rather of the depth of the mourning. Certain researchers believe that the "split masks" belong to the corpses of warriors. In the case of the "pock-marked" masks, the decorations may refer to the first sign of leprosy. The slivers of wood, thorns, bands and feathers found on the masks are exceptionally subjective messages wich at the moment we are unable to decipher.
Will be blown smooth by the evening gust
My life ebbs in the rill water
My cattle I leave to my strong son
My house to my sweet-voiced daughter
Life is naught but a short moan.
(Pub. S. J. Robin)