Anthropomorphic fetish — Toma, Liberia/Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 39

Description

Originating from the Toma people located between forested Guinea and northern Liberia, this anthropomorphic fetish belongs to the deeply rooted animist tradition of this ethnic group. It served as a ritual support for individual or family protection, often handled by diviners or healers in a divinatory or traditional medicine context. The finely worked carved head shows a closed expression with a half-open mouth revealing symbolic teeth. A headdress adorned with cowries underlines the link between spiritual wealth and mystical power. The body is covered with an entanglement of plant fibres, sacrificial residues and ritual fabrics, forming a protective crust intended to channel invisible forces. A small circular mirror is fixed at the level of the navel, acting as a spiritual eye intended to repel malevolent spirits and reflect occult intentions. The piece shows a beautiful old patina with traces of ritual use. No element has been restored.

Technical details

Type of piece

Statuette

Category

Ritual objects

Ethnic group

Toma

Country

Libéria/Guinée

Materials

wood, cowries, fibre végétale, miroir

Dimensions

H 33 × W 16 × D 16 cm

Weight

1,5 kg

Estimated dating

second half 20th c.

Laboratory test

Not tested

Reference

39