Rare Yoruba Fetish Figure.  Statue.  Wood. Southwestern Nigeria. Africa.

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Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

 

 

The Yoruba peoples inhabit a large part of southwestern Nigeria.  They have been known to place their trust in the powers of the fetish to assist them during times of need.  A fetish – aka Nkisi – is a wood carving that the village shaman (aka Nganga) uses to protect, heal and grant desires to a tribal member or to the entire village.

 

This particular fetish figure was created to be shown in front of a large audience, like the entire tribe.  To be visible to all, this Nkisi was positioned on top of a wooden staff or held high above the shaman’s head.  It is carried by the shaman as he enacted his magic and paraded around during the ritual.

 

The fiber & cloth binding was to bound together the “life” aspect with the “afterlife” of the ceremony.

 

The cloth-bound torso is very rare.  Unique and used for a very special ceremony.

 

In good condition.  For the Serious Collector.

 

This figure has sold.  Thanks C.R. !