Nigerian Fetish with Offering Bowl, Based

Two ridged horns rise high over a small seated head, and below them the bowl pinches in like an hourglass.

This fetish with offering bowl comes from Eastern Nigeria, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century, in carved wood and glass. Across this region, carved containers joined with figurative elements are generally associated with offerings and shrine practice, though local meanings vary. A small crested head sits between two tall ringed horns, with fiber and red glass beads at its neck. The deep, waisted bowl below is worn smooth inside, and the outside carries a dark reddish-brown patina. It is 17.5 inches high, 5 wide and 3.5 deep.

The horns do the reaching, and the bowl does the waiting.