FETISHES (Miscellaneous)

NAGU Power Figure 1 6" high $1000

HEMBA STYLE Fetish 2 9.5" high $400

DAN STYLE Fetish 1 16.5" high $400

BATEKE STYLE Fetish Figures 1

EWE STYLE Fetish Figures 1

MITSOGO STYLE Fetish 1 $800

BAKONGO STYLE Head Fetish 1 $800

The fetishes below have been sold and are left here for educational and research purposes.

BAMANA STYLE Fetish 1 33" high SOLD

UNKNOWN STYLE Fetish 5 22" high SOLD

ASANTE STYLE Fetish 1 25.25" high SOLD

AGNI Fetish 1 SOLD

URHOBO STYLE Fetish 1 SOLD

MUMUYE STYLE Fetish 2 SOLD

BWITTI STYLE Fetish 1 SOLD

IGBO STYLE Fetish 1 SOLD

LUBA? STYLE Fetish 1 SOLD

DOGON? STYLE Fetish 1 SOLD

LEGA STYLE Fetish 1 SOLD

SUKUMA STYLE Fetish 3 SOLD

BOBO STYLE Fetish 1 SOLD

UNKNOWN STYLE  Fetish 4 SOLD

YOMBE STYLE Fetish 1 SOLD

DAN Fetish 2 SOLD

KUOSSI STYLE Fetish 1 SOLD

BAKONGO STYLE Dog Fetish 15 SOLD

UNKNOWN STYLE Fetish 2 SOLD

BENIN STYLE Fetish 1 SOLD

MUMUYE Fetish 1 SOLD

BAMANA STYLE Boli ARCHIVES (SOLD)

IJO STYLE Fetish Panel 1 SOLD

CHOKWE STYLE Fetish 1 SOLD

HEMBA STYLE Fetish Bowl 1 6" high SOLD

UNKNOWN STYLE Fetish 6 22" high SOLD

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 hollowed 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.

In addition to the many groups of well-known fetishes in our exhibition we have some that are less well known or unidentifiable ( Suggestions regarding identification are welcome).

Authentic fetishes are very rare. Despite their appearance, most of these fetishes show no evidence of age or use and were probably made to be sold.

If you are looking for a particular tribe or object please check our Indexes by Tribe, by Object or by Material.