The doublebird sculptures presented here were marriage gifts. Marc Petit and Christian Lequindre describe them in their unique book in the following way: “A similar preciousness can be seen in a rare type of object whose intriguing shape of double spiral — figuratively interpreted as an upside-down pair of birds, swans, or ducks — can be explained both by its specific function and the circumstances in which it was used. Called gunta kasne (or guneko), in Rai country these items are a gift from the bride’s parents, to be used to bind the pieces of fabric that constitute her dowry. … Beyond their practical value, such items … are clearly conceived by the givers as an artistic symbolic testimony of love and faithfulness” (Petit & Lequindre, 2009, p. 47).

“gunta kasne”means in English “to tie up a bundle”, in German “ein Bündel schnüren”.

The quality (elaborateness) of the doublebird sculptures presented here varies considerably. While sculptures 1, 4 , 5, 8 and 9 are impressive because of their form and their very fine elaborated floral design, sculpture 3 — in contrast — is a relatively simple object.

Reference: Petit, M. and Lequindre, C. (2009). Nepal. Shamanism and Tribal Sculpture. Infolio.