Photographs © Tim Hamill
From left to right:
MOBA, IRON TCHITCHERI FIGURE 22, 9.75", $50, Togo
MOBA, IRON TCHITCHERI FIGURE 23, 9.5", $50, Togo
MOBA, IRON TCHITCHERI FIGURE 24, 8.5", $100, Togo
MOBA, IRON TCHITCHERI FIGURE 25, 9.5", $50, Togo
MOBA, IRON TCHITCHERI FIGURE 26, 9.5", $50, Togo
Moba diviners influence and direct the planning, design and ritual use of tchitcheri figures for family or clan shrines. They are protective and promote health and prosperity. Representing no particular person or ancestor, they are an individual's direct link with God. The figure is reduced to an elemental, symbolic form. Details such as facial features, hands, feet and indications of gender are rare.
These smaller, simple figures, made of iron, could also have been used as currency.
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