HEMBA STYLE FETISH 2

HEMBA
Fetish 2
9.5" high
$300

Photographs © Tim Hamill

Authentic fetishes are very rare. Despite its appearance, this fetish was probably made to be sold.

A fetish is a statue or object with magical power, like an amulet, talisman or good luck charm. 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.

RETURN TO FETISHES (VARIOUS TRIBES) PAGE

GO TO FETISH! EXHIBITION PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN FETISHES PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN ANIMALS PAGE

GO TO ARTIFACTS PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN FIGURES PAGE

GO TO MASKS AND HEADS PAGE

GO TO NEW ADDITIONS PAGE

HOMEPAGE

 Index by
TRIBE

 Index by
OBJECT

CONTACT US