Origin story

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In ancient China, armies were often divided into five divisions, each assigned to guard a specific direction: North, South, East, West, and Centre. This battle formation was later adapted into religious beliefs, in the form of five generals - named the Marshals of the Five Directions - who play an equivalent role, commanding celestial troops to guard against chaos, disasters, and evil.

Each marshal is not only linked to a direction, but also to a symbolic colour and element drawn from Daoist metaphysics:

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• North: Black and Water

• South: Red and Fire 

• East: Green and Wood

• West: White and Metal 

• Centre: Yellow and Earth

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They are especially revered by soldiers, martial artists, and those in dangerous professions. ​

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Their statues are sometimes placed at temple entrances to ward off evil spirits. Some devotees carry a talisman invoking the Five Marshals to protect them in times of war or personal danger.

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They can also be depicted in the unique form of skewer heads, as seen in the photos above. These comprise wooden heads with flowing tassels, affixed to metal rods that end in a needle-sharp tip. During festivals or rituals, the skewers are pierced into the skin of a trancing Daoist spirit medium, as an act of purification and to absorb negative energy.

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When not in use, they are kept in a simple, elegant rack.

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* Depending on your intended use, our statues can be consecrated or non-consecrated. If consecrated, the statues would be considered holy and be used for religious worship. Non-consecrated statues can be displayed as works of culture and art, expressing the same ideas and values but in a non-religious way.