Erri Gnui
The term erri gnui [< Tuadbe, erri 'gods, divinities' + Pytharnian gnui 'cut'] refers to one or more cut stone images that remind to mortals the presence of gods inhabiting the heavens and the earth. They are often the first step preceding a shrine or later temple constructed to the same god or gods. Erri Gnui are placed in natural settings to invoke the presence of the gods and remind mortals of their ongoing presence. They can be set with ogi gnui to remind the local divinities of the power of the gods to tame their wildness.
It is considered a grave offense to vandalize the images of the gods and significant offense to steal them. Local communities maintain the images and may sponsor the creation of additional images from time to time.
See Also
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