Back when I was a gentleman in training, we were taught to bow to the young ladies. Little did I know that I was an idolater!
Today I am amazed by those who can see into another’s heart and mind and know, based on posture alone at times, that they are mistaking a statue of the Mother of Our Lord for God.
(Well, either that or they don’t know the difference between icon and idol.)
Were those young ladies statues or carved images?
The commands are specific about bowing down TO and serving carved images.
It doesn't say you can't bow down to people as a sign of respect and it doesn't say you can't bow down in the vicinity of a statue for some other reason.
But to bow down to a statue of Mary like the pope and numerous Catholics do to pray to her, is just wrong. God's determination, not mine. HE put it in writing.