Fetysz. Plecionka ze skóry. Kirdi. Fali. Kamerun. Nigeria. XX wiek.

Fetishism in the tribal beliefs of African peoples has a slightly different meaning from the one we attribute to this term in Europe today. It is a relationship between an object, a human being, and a god that is difficult to explain precisely. God is often replaced by a sorcerer or shaman living on earth, who gives magical power to objects with the help of the spirits of the dead. The fetish becomes an object of power that protects its owner and helps them, but sometimes this power can be used to harm someone or destroy a personal enemy.  

The Kirdi and Fali peoples effectively resisted the adoption of Islam, which is dominant in Africa. Hence, the use of fetishes is more widespread than in other regions. I have already written about the Namji dolls on display in my shop. It is a talisman that is quite popular in Cameroon, designed to ensure marital happiness in all its aspects.

This small fetish, probably representing a human being, has a similar but more general role to play. Such fetishes are made by young men themselves. I have seen many of them. They are made of various materials: wood, metal, covered with cotton or, as in this case, woven from leather. A common feature of all of them is a certain clumsiness, the awkwardness of an amateurish representation of the human figure. It is not without significance that they are not intended for display. A young man should carry them with him. Despite their prevalence, similar objects are very rarely offered for sale.

The specimen I am offering is 19 cm high and 6 cm wide. The figure has difficulty maintaining a sitting position, which may confirm that they were intended to be worn. I was captivated by the face of the figure, which looks as if it came from the afterlife.