Oreomecon rubroaurantiaca

Oreomecon rubroaurantiaca is a flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae, native to Northeast Asia. It primarily grows in subalpine or subarctic biomes, often in high‑altitude environments. Formerly known as Papaver rubroaurantiacum, it was transferred to the genus Oreomecon. This genus was established in 2022 for taxa previously treated as Papaver section Meconella, in order to ensure that the genus Papaver is monophyletic. The genus name Oreomecon is derived from the Ancient Greek words oros (“mountain”) and mecon (“poppy”). Ecologically, the species is adapted to cold, well‑drained substrates and is frequently found on rocky slopes, scree fields, and alpine meadows where competition from taller vegetation is limited. Toxicologically, the presence of isoquinoline and other alkaloids renders all plant parts hazardous. These compounds, typical of many Papaveraceae, act as chemical defences against herbivores and may also influence soil microbiota in the rhizosphere. Ingestion by humans or livestock can induce severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms; traditional use of this species in ethnomedicine is not documented, and due to its toxicity and limited distribution, it is not utilized in modern phytotherapy.

Hemerocallis minor

Hemerocallis minor, also known as dwarf daylily, grassleaf lily, and small daylily, is a flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae, native to Siberia, Mongolia, China, and Korea. The plant grows to a height of up to 0.5 m. Its wide, yellow flowers are scentless. It is a hermaphroditic species, pollinated by insects such as honey bees. Despite their common name, daylilies are not true lilies (plants of the genus Lilium, family Liliaceae). Although the flowers of Hemerocallis and Lilium species have a similar shape, their growth habits, stems, and leaf shapes are distinctive. Prior to 2009, daylilies were classified in the family Liliaceae. In 2009, they were removed from the family Liliaceae and assigned to the family Xanthorrhoeaceae (subfamily Hemerocallidoideae). The family Xanthorrhoeaceae was renamed Asphodelaceae in 2017. The genus name Hemerocallis is derived from the Ancient Greek words hemera (“day”) and kalos (“beautiful”), reflecting the fact that the flower typically blooms for only one day, usually opening around sunrise. The flowers are used in Chinese cuisine, where they are sold fresh or dried in Asian markets as gum jum or golden needles. They are an ingredient in hot and sour soup, daylily soup, Buddha’s delight (a sweet and sour vegetarian dish), and moo shu pork. Cooking improves the palatability of the flowers. In traditional medicine, the species is used to treat acute gastroenteritis, burns, parasitic diseases, and liver disease. Additionally, daylilies are among the most popular garden plants in North America.

Scabiosa comosa

Scabiosa comosa, commonly known as the northeastern scabious, is a flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae, native to southern Siberia, Mongolia, northern China, and Korea. It reaches 30–80 cm in height and typically occurs in dry habitats such as dunes, slopes, and steppes, at elevations between 300 and 1600 m. The generic name Scabiosa derives from the Latin word scabiosus (“mangy, rough, or itchy”), referring to the plant’s traditional use in folk medicine for treating scabies. The inflorescences, which range in colour from pale blue to light purple, are formed as a dense capitulum resembling a single flower but composed of numerous small florets. The protruding styles resemble pins in a cushion, hence the common name “pincushion flower”. Fruits develop as small achenes with a pappus of minute scales, facilitating wind dispersal across the steppe. The species plays a role in steppe ecosystems as a nectar source for a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies; its prolonged flowering period enhances resource availability during the summer months. Scabiosa comosa is the national symbol of Mongolia.

Lilium pumilum

Lilium pumilum, commonly known as coral lily or low lily, is a flowering plant in the family Liliaceae, native to Siberia, Mongolia, northern China, and Korea. It bears one to twenty reflexed and nodding flowers, which are usually red. The specific epithet pumilum is a commonly used term in botanical nomenclature; it translates as “dwarfish” and is frequently employed to distinguish a small species or variety from larger members of the same genus. In Taiwan, both the flowers and the bulbs are used as food.

Scorzonera radiata

Scorzonera radiata is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, widely distributed in Northeast Asia. The generic name Scorzonera derives from the Italian scorza nera (“black bark” or “black rind”), referring to the dark outer appearance of the edible root. Some sources also trace the term to the Old French word scorzon, which denotes a venomous snake; historically, the plant was used as an antidote for snake bites, hence the common name viper’s grass. Historical records indicate that the plant was believed effective not only against snake bites but also against the bubonic plague. Scorzonera radiata is used in Mongolian traditional medicine to treat fever induced by bacterial and viral infections.

Gentianopsis barbata

Gentianopsis barbata is a flowering plant in the family Gentianaceae, native to the Himalayas, Siberia, Mongolia, China, and Korea. The family Gentianaceae was first described by Antoine Laurent de Jussieu in 1789. Commonly known as fringed gentians, the plants are similar to species of the genus Gentiana and produce showy blue to purple flowers that open in sunlight and close at night. According to the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder, King Gentius of Illyria found the roots to be useful as a tonic; the plant’s name is derived from him. Gentianopsis barbata is used in traditional Tibetan medicine for its anti‑inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties.

Ongon

Ongons are among the most important shamanic objects in Mongolia and Siberia. They function as ritual spirit houses or empowered shrines, providing a dwelling place for spirits. Common materials used in their construction include wood, leather, felt, stone, paper, fur, feathers, straw, and metal. The forms of ongons vary considerably: some are highly abstract, while others are markedly more realistic. Although ordinary people may create an ongon, it is activated by a shaman, who summons a spirit to inhabit it. Most ongons house ancestor or animal spirits; however, some contain powerful nature spirits or the souls of esteemed shamans. Since most ongon spirits are believed to have previously lived as humans or animals, they are thought to retain human‑like emotions and memories; consequently, they are treated with respect. Once empowered by a shaman, an ongon is placed in the sacred area of a ger (the traditional round felt tent of nomadic peoples — often referred to as a yurt in the West) and offered sustenance in the form of liquor, blood, milk, or fat. When a spirit is no longer required or desired, the ongon is either respectfully burned or returned to nature, allowing the spirit to rejoin the natural world from which it was summoned.

Geranium transbaicalicum

Geranium transbaicalicum is a flowering plant in the family Geraniaceae, native to the Transbaikal region near Lake Baikal. It is sometimes treated as a subspecies of Geranium pratense (Geranium pratense subsp. transbaicalicum) or as a distinct, closely related species. The species belongs to the genus Geranium, commonly referred to as “true geraniums” or “cranesbills” to distinguish it from Pelargonium. The generic name Geranium is derived from the Ancient Greek word geranos (“crane”). The common English name cranesbill refers to the resemblance of the fruit capsule in some species to a crane’s head and bill: the ovary forms the head, and the elongated stigma creates the appearance of a beak. A prominent characteristic of Geranium transbaicalicum is its flowers, which are borne in clusters and exhibit a range of colors, primarily shades of purple and pink. In traditional Tibetan medicine, the roots are used to treat influenza‑related fevers.

Lilium pensylvanicum

Lilium pensylvanicum, sometimes called the Siberian lily, is a flowering plant in the family Liliaceae, native to Siberia, Mongolia, northeastern China, Korea, Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands, and Hokkaido. The Latin name is misleading, as it implies a North American origin (Pennsylvania) due to an error by the botanist John Bellenden Ker. In 1809, Ker published a corrigendum in which he attempted to rename Lilium pensylvanicum as Lilium dauricum, after Dauria, a mountainous region near Lake Baikal. This renaming engendered considerable confusion and was subsequently formally rejected. Lilium pensylvanicum is adapted to a cold climate and requires a period of winter frost to thrive. The blooming season extends from June to July.

Linaria melampyroides

Linaria melampyroides is a flowering plant in the genus Linaria, native to the Transbaikal region in eastern Siberia. The genus Linaria was traditionally placed in the family Scrophulariaceae; phylogenetic analyses have now assigned it to the expanded family Plantaginaceae. Members of the genus are commonly known as toadflax, a name shared with several related genera. The term “toad” in toadflax may relate to the historical use of these plants in the treatment of bubonic plague, a false etymological link having been drawn between the term bubo (an infected, swollen lymph node) and Bufo (a genus of toads). The scientific name Linaria means “resembling Linum” (flax), as the foliage of some species superficially resembles that of flax. Linaria plays an important ecological role in its native environment. Like most flowering plants, it contributes to local biodiversity by providing nectar and pollen for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects.

Bauta

The Bauta is closely associated with the Carnival of Venice, as it is the principal type of mask worn during the festivities. It was also employed on numerous other occasions as a means of concealing the wearer’s identity and social status. This enabled the wearer to act more freely when interacting with other members of society outside the constraints imposed by social identity and everyday convention. Consequently, the mask served a variety of purposes: some were illicit or criminal, while others were merely personal — such as facilitating romantic encounters. The most distinctive feature of the Bauta is its prominent, beak‑like chin, which juts out sharply from the face. This design permitted the wearer to speak, eat, and drink without removing the mask, rendering it a practical choice for extended gatherings and social events. The mask was typically paired with a black cloak, known as a tabarro, and a tricorn hat; these accessories further obscured the wearer’s identity and enhanced the overall sense of mystery and anonymity.

Potentilla tanacetifolia

Potentilla tanacetifolia, also called tansy‑leaved cinquefoil, is a flowering plant in the family Rosaceae, native to Northeast Asia. It reaches a height of 15–65 cm and is characterized by yellow flowers and pinnate leaves. While typical cinquefoils resemble strawberries in appearance, they are distinguished by their dry, inedible fruit; this trait accounts for the common name barren strawberry, which is applied to some species. In traditional medicine, particularly in Mongolia and China, Potentilla tanacetifolia is used to treat blood disorders, inflammation, and infections. Ecologically, the species is valued for its role in erosion control.

Iris uniflora

Iris uniflora is a flowering plant in the family Iridaceae, native to Tibet, Siberia, Mongolia, China, and Korea. It has thin, grass‑like leaves and stems and bears purple, blue‑purple, or violet flowers. The species blooms between May and June. In temperate regions, it is cultivated as an ornamental plant. The genus name Iris derives from the Greek word iris (“rainbow”), which also designates Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow. Some authors suggest that the name alludes to the wide variety of flower colors found among species of the genus. Iris uniflora is used in traditional Tibetan medicine: the flowers are applied in the treatment of visual impairments, and the root is applied in the treatment of freckles and ringworm.

Sonchus arvensis

Sonchus arvensis, commonly known as field milk thistle, field sowthistle, perennial sow‑thistle, corn sow thistle, dindle, gutweed, swine thistle, or tree sow thistle, is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to Eurasia, where it is widespread across much of the continent. The species has also become naturalized in many other regions and is considered an invasive noxious weed in some areas, including North America, New Zealand, and Australia. Sonchus arvensis frequently occurs in annual crop fields and may cause substantial yield losses. The plant reproduces both sexually via wind‑dispersed achenes and vegetatively through an extensive creeping rhizome system, which contributes significantly to its persistence and invasiveness. It exhibits high competitive ability due to rapid early growth, efficient resource uptake, and allelopathic potential, which can suppress the germination and growth of neighbouring species.

Camaquen

Small anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurines were produced in Inca times for ritual offerings. They were offered to huacas (sacred places). According to Quechua belief, every object possessed a physical presence and two camaquen (spirits): one responsible for its creation and the other for its animation. They would invoke these spirits to ensure the object’s proper functioning. These figurines were commonly made from materials readily available in the Andean environment, including clay, stone, wood, and metals such as copper and bronze; fine examples in gold and silver were reserved for elite or state‑level rituals. Anthropomorphic forms featured stylized human figures with symbolic postures, while zoomorphic ones depicted culturally significant animals such as llamas, condors, snakes, and felines. Ritually, offerings were placed in caches beneath temple floors, buried at the base of significant rock formations, or submerged in water sources believed to channel spiritual power. The act of offering was not merely a gesture of devotion but a mechanism for establishing reciprocal relationships between humans, deities, and the landscape. Ethnohistoric accounts corroborate the centrality of such offerings and the attribution of spirit agency to objects and places, illustrating how the figurines mediated between the human and supernatural realms in the Inca religious system.

Gagea pauciflora

Gagea pauciflora is a flowering plant in the family Liliaceae, native to Siberia, Mongolia, and northern China. It is a small herb characterized by yellow‑green flowers and blooms in early spring as an ephemeroid. The genus is named after the English naturalist Sir Thomas Gage (1781–1820). The specific epithet pauciflora derives from the Latin words paucus (“few”) and flos (“flower”), reflecting the species’ characteristic inflorescence, which bears only 1–3 flowers. Gagea pauciflora was first described as a new species under the name Plecostigma pauciflorum by Nikolai Turczaninow in 1844. In 1854, Carl Friedrich von Ledebour transferred the species to the genus Gagea, establishing the currently accepted name Gagea pauciflora.

Stellera chamaejasme

Stellera is a genus of flowering plants in the family Thymelaeaceae, comprising a single species, Stellera chamaejasme, which is found in mountainous regions of northern and western Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, the state of Uttar Pradesh (India), Siberia, and Mongolia. The genus Stellera was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The generic name Stellera (not to be confused with the unrelated genus Stellaria) commemorates the botanist Georg Wilhelm Steller (1709–1746). The specific epithet chamaejasme combines Greek elements meaning “on the ground” and “jasmine”, thus denoting “Steller’s plant resembling a creeping jasmine”. The flowers of Stellera chamaejasme are fragrant, similar to those of jasmine, and feature a wine‑red exterior, comparable to that of certain jasmine species. Stellera chamaejasme inhabits subalpine and alpine zones, typically occurring on rocky slopes, scree fields, and well‑drained gravelly soils at elevations from 2500 to 4500 m. It shows a preference for open, sunny sites with moderate moisture and is often found in communities with other drought‑tolerant and cold‑adapted species. Its distribution pattern reflects adaptation to harsh climatic conditions, including short growing seasons, intense solar radiation, and marked diurnal temperature fluctuations. The plant’s dense growth form and compact leaf arrangement help reduce water loss and protect meristematic tissues during cold periods. The toxicity of Stellera chamaejasme is well documented and primarily attributed to diterpenoid esters and other secondary metabolites present in all plant parts, especially in the roots and bark. These compounds exhibit strong irritant and cytotoxic effects. Ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal inflammation, haemorrhaging, and, in extreme cases, death in both humans and livestock.

Lilium pumilum

Lilium pumilum, also known as coral lily, low lily, or lipstick lily, is a flowering plant in the family Liliaceae, native to grassy mountainous areas of Northeast Asia. The plant is edible and has a history of use as a food source, particularly in northern China, Mongolia, and Siberia. While edible for humans, species of the genus Lilium are highly toxic to cats and may induce renal failure. In addition to its culinary use, the bulbs are traditionally employed in East Asian cultures as a medicinal agent for coughs and insomnia and as a nutritive tonic.

Polygonatum odoratum

Polygonatum odoratum, commonly known as angular Solomon’s seal or scented Solomon’s seal, is a flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to Nepal, Siberia, Mongolia, China, Korea, and Japan. The genus name Polygonatum derives from the Greek words poly (“many”) and gonu (“knee joint”), in reference to the plant’s jointed rhizomes. The Latin specific epithet odoratum signifies “scented”. Characteristic pendulous, bell‑shaped flowers occur singly or in pairs in the axils of the leaves; they are creamy‑white to pale green, often marked with fine purple lines, and emit a noticeable fragrance, consistent with the specific epithet. Polygonatum odoratum is used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine; in Korea, the root is used to prepare tea. It should be noted that, while used medicinally, the plant’s berries are considered toxic if ingested and are not employed for human consumption.

Solanum kitagawae

Solanum kitagawae, also known as Kitagawa’s nightshade, is a flowering plant in the family Solanaceae, native to Northeast Asia. Flowering occurs from June to August, with fruit maturation in August–September. The generic name Solanum was first used by Pliny the Elder (23–79 CE) for a plant also known as strychnos, most likely Solanum nigrum. Its derivation is uncertain, possibly stemming from the Latin word sol, meaning “sun”, and referring to the plant’s traditional association with the sun. Solanum kitagawae is named after Masao Kitagawa (1910–1995), a Japanese botanist and pteridologist. Most parts of the plant, particularly the green tissues and unripe fruit, are toxic to humans. The toxicity is attributed to steroidal glycoalkaloids, primarily solanine and solasonine, which may induce gastrointestinal irritation, neurological symptoms, and, in severe cases, respiratory depression.

Vicia unijuga

Vicia unijuga, commonly called two‑leaf vetch, is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to Siberia, Mongolia, China, Korea, and Japan, where it is widespread. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that produces purple flowers during summer and autumn. The species exhibits considerable morphological variation, and several forms and varieties have been described. Vicia unijuga historically included the morphologically similar Vicia ohwiana, which is now recognized as an independent species. Vicia unijuga contributes to soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation. Its flowering period from midsummer into autumn provides nectar and pollen for pollinators, supporting local insect communities.

Clouds

“There came a day when the clouds drifting along with the wind aroused a wanderlust in me, and I set off on a journey to roam along the seashores.”
— Matsuo Bashō

Pulsatilla turczaninovii

Pulsatilla turczaninovii is a flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to Siberia, Mongolia, and northern China. The common name pasque flower refers to the spring‑blooming period of the genus Pulsatilla, which typically coincides with Easter (Passover). Derived from the Old French word pasque (“Easter”), the name is often rendered as “Easter flower”. The entire plant, including stems, leaves, and floral parts, is densely covered in silky, persistent hairs — an adaptation that provides insulation against cold temperatures and desiccation in early‑spring conditions. Fruits develop as aggregate achenes with long, feathery styles that aid wind dispersal. It is a spring ephemeroid: it emerges and flowers early in the season, often while snow patches still persist, and its above‑ground parts may senesce by midsummer. This phenology allows it to exploit a period of high light availability and reduced competition before taller vegetation develops. The species is named after Nikolai Turczaninow (1796–1864), a Russian botanist and plant collector whose work significantly advanced the knowledge of Central Asian and Siberian flora. Fresh vegetative parts of Pulsatilla are toxic due to the presence of ranunculin, a protoanemonin precursor that is released upon tissue damage and can cause irritation and gastrointestinal effects. For this reason, the plant is not used in conventional medicine, and handling or ingestion is discouraged. In some traditional contexts, Pulsatilla species have been employed in homeopathic preparations, but these applications are distinct from direct use of the fresh plant material and remain outside evidence‑based medical practice.

Papilio machaon

Papilio machaon, the Old World swallowtail, is a butterfly of the family Papilionidae. It is also known as the common yellow swallowtail or simply the swallowtail. It is the type species of the genus Papilio. This widespread species occurs throughout much of the Palearctic region. The species is named after Machaon, a figure in Greek mythology and a son of Asclepius mentioned in the works of Homer. The larva initially resembles a bird dropping, an effective camouflage against predators. As it grows, the caterpillar becomes green with black and orange markings. Its defensive mechanism includes an osmeterium: a pair of retractable, fleshy projections behind the head that release a foul‑smelling secretion when disturbed, deterring potential predators.

Chelidonium majus

Chelidonium majus subsp. grandiflorum, commonly known as greater celandine, is a flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae, native to Siberia, China, and Korea. Morphologically, the subspecies is a herbaceous perennial with a branched stem reaching 30–80 cm in height. All plant parts exude a bright orange‑yellow latex when injured, a characteristic feature of the genus. Flowers are 4‑petaled, typically bright yellow, and larger in grandiflorum compared to the nominate subspecies, consistent with the epithet grandiflorum (“large‑flowered”). Fruits develop as slender dehiscent capsules, dispersing seeds at maturity. Chelidonium majus was described by Carl Linnaeus in volume 1 of Species Plantarum (1753). The vernacular name celandine derives from Late Latin celidonia, from earlier Latin chelidonia or chelidonium, and ultimately from Ancient Greek chelidon, meaning “swallow”; hence the common name swallowwort. Ancient sources note that the plant was believed to bloom with the return of swallows and to fade when they departed. Historically, the plant has been applied in folk medicine as a topical remedy for warts. Its orange latex contains a suite of isoquinoline alkaloids (e.g., chelidonine, sanguinarine, coptisine), which confer antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties and also account for the plant’s toxicity. Modern assessments regard the plant as potentially hepatotoxic, with documented cases of liver injury linked to herbal preparations containing Chelidonium extracts.

Chamaenerion angustifolium

Chamaenerion angustifolium, also known by the taxonomic synonyms Chamerion angustifolium and Epilobium angustifolium, is a flowering plant in the family Onagraceae, native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The species is known by several common names: in North America as fireweed; in parts of Canada as great willowherb; in Britain and Ireland as rosebay willowherb; and traditionally as Saint Anthony’s laurel. The generic name Chamaenerion means “dwarf oleander”, and the Latin specific epithet angustifolium translates as “narrow‑leaved”. The common name fireweed derives from the species’ propensity to colonize burnt sites following forest fires. It is a pioneer species that rapidly occupies open areas with minimal competition, such as post‑fire landscapes and forest clearings. Growth and flowering persist as long as sufficient light and open space are available. Peak colonization typically occurs around five years after disturbance, after which the species gradually declines as woody vegetation encroaches. In Russia, the leaves have been traditionally used to prepare an herbal infusion. Prior to the introduction of Chinese tea in the 17th century, this product was highly valued and exported in considerable quantities to Western Europe as Koporsky tea (named for the town of Koporye, where production dates to the 13th century) or Ivan‑Chai (Ivan‑Tea). The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine.

Bench

“There are stories in everything. I’ve got some of my best yarns from park benches, lampposts, and newspaper stands.”
— O. Henry

Vicia amoena

Vicia amoena, commonly known as the lovely vetch, is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, widely distributed in Siberia, Mongolia, northern China, Korea, and Japan. It is a herbaceous perennial reaching 50–100 cm in height. The much‑branched stems sprawl across the ground and use tendrils to cling to adjacent vegetation. The species bears densely clustered purple flowers. The generic name Vicia means “binder” in Latin; this term was used by Pliny the Elder to denote vetch. In Korea, the young leaves and shoots are consumed as namul, a traditional side dish. They are typically blanched or steamed and then lightly seasoned with ingredients such as sesame oil, garlic, and soy sauce.

Rosa davurica

Rosa davurica, commonly known as the Amur rose, is a flowering plant in the family Rosaceae, native to eastern Siberia, Mongolia, northern China, Korea, Sakhalin, and Japan. It is an erect shrub attaining a height of up to 1.5 m. It typically occurs on hills and slopes and shows a preference for sunny habitats, including forest edges and grasslands, at elevations ranging from 400 to 2500 m. The fruit of Rosa davurica, referred to as Cimeiguo in Chinese, is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, notably vitamins A, C, and E, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds. It also contains essential fatty acids — a feature not typical for fruits. Accepted varieties include: Rosa davurica var. alpestris (Korea, Sakhalin, Japan) and Rosa davurica var. davurica (eastern Siberia, Mongolia, northern China, Korea).

Bateba

The Lobi people live mainly in Burkina Faso, with smaller groups residing in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Despite the significant Islamic influence in the surrounding region, the Lobi have largely maintained their animistic beliefs. The term bateba generally translates as “wooden carved figure”. The Lobi consider these figures to be protective house spirits. Carving bateba figures is not restricted to individuals with specialized training; anyone may learn the practice. Consequently, the figures exhibit considerable stylistic variation. There are several distinct types of bateba. Bateba Phuwe are considered ordinary figures, as they lack a specific defining posture and are often depicted standing with arms held straight down. These figures may serve various purposes, including protection, promoting prosperity, and bringing good fortune to the family. Bateba Ti Bala are regarded as extraordinary figures due to their more specific functions and greater level of detail. This category includes the subtypes Thil Dorka, Betise, and Kuddu. Thil Dorka figures have two heads, symbolizing a deity capable of seeing in multiple directions simultaneously; this attribute renders them especially powerful and potentially dangerous. Betise figures depict a man and a woman in an intimate embrace; they are believed to help men find a wife and to protect women from sterility. Kuddu figures represent women with swollen bellies and are used in fertility rituals. Bateba Ti Puo (also known as Bateba Duntundara) are classified as dangerous figures because they are thought to block harmful forces such as disease and witchcraft. They are typically shown with one or both arms raised. Bateba Bambar, referred to as “paralyzed” figures, depict a person with legs stretched out in front, mimicking paralysis. These are commonly used as talismans to ward off illness and misfortune. A distinctive subset of bateba is known as Bateba Yadawora, literally “sad” figures. Their expressions and postures are believed to embody sadness and mourning, thereby absorbing such emotions from their owners. They may also serve as reminders to viewers of the fragility of human life. Bateba figures are typically placed on domestic shrines inside or atop homes and are venerated alongside other ritual objects.