A fetish is a statue or object with magical power, like an amulet, talisman or good luck charm. In traditional, tribal Africa, especially in Zaire, these beliefs are manifested in some of the most expressive and magical power figures ever created. This exhibit brings together the relics of many peoples, all used for specific functions, usually to conjure away evil spirits or attempt to control one's destiny.

Common to many tribes was the belief that the fetishes acquired power through the ritualistic carving and consecration, the addition of special substances and the recurring activation of its spirit by offering sacrifices and magic words. Some fetishes have the heads or stomachs hallowed out to hold special substances; some have mirrors to reflect back evil or to blind hostile spirits; some are Janus-figures for better vigilance and protection. Among the materials added to the wood figures are horns, shells, nails, feathers, mirrors, metal, twine, paint, cloth, raffia, fur, beads and herbs; anything thought to add power or magic.

Among the peoples represented are the Bakongo, with many types and sizes of their famous nail fetishes, including several animals fetishes. The Songye are represented by horned fetishes carved with much expressive force. Bateke fetishes are either covered with encrusted additions, as were those of the Yaka, or are bound up in cloth. Fertility fetishes were most common among the Ashanti and twin fetishes (ibeji) among the Yomba. Rarer fetishes from the Chokwe, Bamana, Dogon, Bobo, Fang and other peoples complete this strange and powerful show.

YAKA, FETISH FIGURE, Zaire © John Urban