

Fetishes in traditional African art
These little protective fetishes were made to order by the witch doctor to protect his sponsor or his home. They are always created according to the same structure, namely an iron body enclosed by a leather skin padded or wrapped in a cord reminiscent of the web of the spider. The appearance of the mygale conjures the evil spell; there are often references to arachnids in African rites and beliefs, as in the Bété whose masks have appendages recalling the legs.
Origin : private collection, FranceDating : 1960'sSize : 18 x 10 cmMaterials : leather, iron
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Fetishes in traditional African art
These little protective fetishes were made to order by the witch doctor to protect his sponsor or his home. They are always created according to the same structure, namely an iron body enclosed by a leather skin padded or wrapped in a cord reminiscent of the web of the spider. The appearance of the mygale conjures the evil spell; there are often references to arachnids in African rites and beliefs, as in the Bété whose masks have appendages recalling the legs.
Origin : private collection, FranceDating : 1960'sSize : 18 x 10 cmMaterials : leather, iron