Fetish figure - Moba - Togo - Twisted Tchitcheri

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Julien Gauthier
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Selected by Julien Gauthier

A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 200 - € 250
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Description from the seller

fetished Tchitcheri - Moba - Togo

17,5 cm with stand.

Wood with a dark brown patina of blood and libations , cowries.

This type of piece represents an ancestor shaped in a slender human body with an abstract face.
There are three types of Tchitcheri figurines. They differ by their dimensions. The smallest one is named Yendu. The one of an average size is named Bawoong, and the largest one: Skawa.

The smallest pieces (Yendu) are kept in houses. Their main function is to protect the community, they have healing virtues and bring prosperity, or can be placed on graves. These pieces do not represent a specific person or ancestor, but are the direct link of an individual with a deity.


A Tchitcheri can only be created by persons whose fathers are soothsayers. Carving a Tchitcheri is considered as a delicate and very dangerous operation. For this reason, only soothsayers can offer to their sons the special protection required for the creation of such sculptures. Those who infringe this rule risk blindness or insanity.

fetished Tchitcheri - Moba - Togo

17,5 cm with stand.

Wood with a dark brown patina of blood and libations , cowries.

This type of piece represents an ancestor shaped in a slender human body with an abstract face.
There are three types of Tchitcheri figurines. They differ by their dimensions. The smallest one is named Yendu. The one of an average size is named Bawoong, and the largest one: Skawa.

The smallest pieces (Yendu) are kept in houses. Their main function is to protect the community, they have healing virtues and bring prosperity, or can be placed on graves. These pieces do not represent a specific person or ancestor, but are the direct link of an individual with a deity.


A Tchitcheri can only be created by persons whose fathers are soothsayers. Carving a Tchitcheri is considered as a delicate and very dangerous operation. For this reason, only soothsayers can offer to their sons the special protection required for the creation of such sculptures. Those who infringe this rule risk blindness or insanity.

Details

Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
Twisted Tchitcheri
Material
Wood
Country of origin
Togo
Ethnic group/culture
Moba
Height
18 cm
Width
8 cm
Sold with stand
Yes
Depth
7 cm
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Estimated period
1970-1980
FranceVerified
974
Objects sold
100%
Private

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