BAKONGO ANIMAL FETISHES, CONGO

Dog Fetish 5 15" long $500	Dog Fetish 5 15" long $500
Dog Fetish 6 26" long $450	Dog Fetish 6 26" long $450

Dog Fetish 7 16" long $250	Dog Fetish 7 16" long $250
Dog Fetish 11 29" long $700	Dog Fetish 11 29" long $700

Dog Fetish 12 25" long $700	Dog Fetish 12 25" long $700
Dog Fetish 13 22" long $500	Dog Fetish 13 22" long $500
Dog Fetish 14 22.5" long $600	Dog Fetish 14 22.5" long $600

Dog Fetish 1 29" long SOLD

Dog Fetish 1 29" long SOLD

Dog Fetish 2 SOLD	Dog Fetish 3 SOLD
Dog Fetish 4 SOLD	Dog Fetish 8 SOLD
Dog Fetish 9 SOLD	Dog Fetish 10 SOLD

BAKONGO, DOG NAIL FETISHES, Congo

Fetishes were protective figures used by individuals, families, or whole communities to destroy or weaken evil spirits, prevent or cure illnesses, repel bad deeds, solemnize contracts or oath-taking. and decide arguments. A diviner or holy person would activate the statue, using magical substances. Fetishes gained power and were effective because people believed in them.

These figures take the form of a dog, because of its ability to protect and to search out evil forces. The nails or blades, when driven in, were to activate the figure's spiritual power, offering protection or serving oath-taking or trial purposes. Small figures were family owned and were used to protect the home, larger ones would protect an entire village.

Old Bakongo fetishes are very rare. Despite their appearance, these animal fetishes show no evidence of age or use and were probably made to be sold.