ASANTE STYLE FETISH 1

There are stable cracks on the left side of the head and the front of the torso.  The red skirt could be removed (see alternate views above).

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.