The Mambila people live on both sides of the border between Nigeria and Cameroon, with most residing on the Mambila Plateau in Nigeria. Although the Mambila believe in a creator god (Cang or Nama), they mainly worship their ancestors. Their traditions include divination using spiders or crabs (Ngam) and rituals linked to the lunar cycle, reflecting a close connection between daily life and spiritual practices. The “Tadep” introduced here is one such object rooted in Mambila animism. It is a magical figure associated with a secret society or healing group known as Suaga (Suaga or Sua). Its distinctive hand gestures are thought to relate to healing practices. Tadep figures are placed at the front of small huts, shrines, or storehouses located at the boundary between the village and the wilderness. They are believed to represent ancestors and to contain spiritual elements such as soul, life force, and healing power. These figures are used in ritual healing practices and are also thought to protect against theft.