Yes, precisely, therefore your argument that bowing before an image is necessarily idolatry falls flat on its face, because I just gave you a counter-example. Thank you.
IF God says to do so it is not idolatry. God has not given the green light on bowing before man-made images of Mary. In both Old and New Testaments there are warnings against idolatry.
To attempt to equate the Ark with these again displays your lack of understanding of this topic and vain attempt to justify the idolatry of Rome.
Your welcome.