BAKONGO STYLE ANIMAL FETISHES ARCHIVES, CONGO


The figures below have been sold and are left here for reference and educational purposes.

 

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

Dog Fetish 7
16" long
SOLD

 

Dog Fetish 7
16" long
SOLD

 

Dog Fetish 12
25" long
SOLD

  

Dog Fetish 12
25" long
SOLD

 

Dog Fetish 5
15" long
SOLD

 

Dog Fetish 5
15" long
SOLD

 

Dog Fetish 6
26" long
SOLD

 

Dog Fetish 6
26" long
SOLD

 

Dog Fetish 8
38" long
SOLD

 

Dog Fetish 8
38" long
SOLD

 

Dog Fetish 10
22" long
SOLD

 

Dog Fetish 10
22" long
SOLD

 

Dog Fetish 11
29" long
SOLD

 

Dog Fetish 11
29" long
SOLD

Dog Fetish 13
22" long
SOLD

Dog Fetish 13
22" long
SOLD

  

Dog Fetish 14
22.5" long
SOLD

Dog Fetish 14
22.5" long
SOLD

Photographs © Tim Hamill

BAKONGO STYLE, 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.

Authentic 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.

GO TO BAKONGO ANIMAL FETISHES PAGE

GO TO BAKONGO FETISHES 3 PAGE

GO TO FETISH! EXHIBITION PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN FETISHES PAGE

GO TO BAKONGO FETISHES PAGE 1 (ALL SOLD)

GO TO FETISHES (VARIOUS TRIBES) PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN ANIMALS PAGE

GO TO ARTIFACTS PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN FIGURES PAGE

GO TO NEW ADDITIONS PAGE

 

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