Adangbe Wood Fetish Figure

A long-necked figure with a crested hairstyle holds an animal skull against its chest, as if wearing a pendant of real conviction.

This fetish figure is Adangbe, from Ghana, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved wood with pigment. In coastal Ghana, shrine figures were often charged with added materials whose meaning is usually known only to their users. The figure is a half body with rounded shoulders, a long ringed neck and an oval face with narrow eyes. Patches of violet, red and white pigment cover the surface. A small animal skull is attached at the front. It is 6.25 inches wide, 6 deep and 13 high.

Composed and quietly assured, whatever it was asked to do.