Anthropomorphic fetish — Toma, Liberia/Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 38

Description

Originating from the Toma people, present in forested Guinea and northern Liberia, this anthropomorphic fetish testifies to a strong ritual charge. Used in contexts of protection, sorcery or spiritual mediation, it embodies an entity invested with power.
The carved wooden head represents a stylised human face, with half-closed eyes and a half-open mouth showing two distinct teeth. It is topped with a central crest, and the pierced ears carry metal rings. The voluminous ovoid body is covered with thick fabric, coated with a dense, encrusted sacrificial crust, a mixture of blood, earth and other ritual elements, with cowries fixed vertically.
This type of fetish is a spirit receptacle, nourished by offerings and invocations. The piece shows a deep patina from prolonged use, confirming its authenticity.

Technical details

Type of piece

Statuette

Category

Ritual objects

Ethnic group

Toma

Country

Libéria/Guinée

Materials

wood, cowries, fabric, fibre végétale, iron, miroir

Dimensions

H 38 × W 14 × D 14 cm

Weight

1,8 kg

Estimated dating

second half 20th c.

Laboratory test

Not tested

Reference

38