Fetish - Wood - Nyamwezi - Tanzania

Nyamwezi Fetish.
Tanzania.

The Nyamwezi people, or translated "people of the moon", can be situated in the western region of Tanzania, just south of Lake Victoria. This particular object depicts a male figure representing the importance of ancestor worshipping in the tribe's culture. More closely looking at the patina and especially the slight "crust", the object might have been used in sacral ceremonies. The receptacle carved on top of the sculpture's head would serve as container for magic substances.

Provenance: Belgian private collection

Object type: fetish
Tribe: Nyamwezi
Material: wood, pearls
Height: 38 cm

Shipment is included. Other delivery or pickup methods can be organised accordingly.