• What meaning might you attach to the use of animals as totems or symbols of a particular group or individual ?

Using animals as symbols for a particular group might demonstrate their ranking in society. Based on the type of animal stamp the goods had told the ranking of the seller and how much power they held in the community. Since different animals rule the animal kingdom maybe they shared the same ideas when they decided to use animal stamps, so people were aware of where their goods came from. 

• What specific  features of the statue can you point out?

Right of the bat I can tell that this statute isn't a full body statue with missing arms. Also it seems as it were a leader with a small crown on his head and a serious face. Maybe most men were the same with no power. 

• What features of this statue may have provoked such observation?

The fact that this statue has many jewelry around her arms and a necklace might suggest that she was a women with high standing and the perfect women for men. Or also since she doesn't have a shirt on showing her nipple suggests that this lady was a some sort of dancer for men or can also show how confident women were with their bodies.