Female statuette — Toma fetish — Toma, Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 50

Description

This sculpture comes from the Toma people, established in the forest regions of Guinea and Liberia. It represents a strongly stylised female figure, typical of fetishes used in the ritual practices of this ethnic group. The Toma, neighbours of the Dan and Kpelle peoples, developed an autonomous ritual art deeply rooted in the esoteric traditions of the Poro secret society.
This type of figure was probably used as a protective fetish or in rituals linked to fertility and healing. The figure is carved in a frontal and solemn manner, with visible scarifications on the breasts and thighs, characteristic of Toma aesthetic codes. The belly, left wrist and top of the skull show fine old cracks, witnesses to the age of the piece.
Made from hard wood with a natural dark patina, it is compact, dense and well balanced. It measures 30 cm high and weighs 760 grams. The overall condition shows good conservation stability despite visible cracks, and no modern restoration has been detected. It holds a cup between its hands, a frequent gesture in Toma female representations, which may symbolise the reception of offerings or the link with the invisible.

Technical details

Type of piece

Statue

Category

Statues

Ethnic group

Toma

Country

Guinée

Materials

wood

Dimensions

H 30 × W 13 × D 14 cm

Weight

0,76 kg

Estimated dating

second half 20th c.

Laboratory test

Not tested

Reference

50