Adangbe Wood Fetish Figure, Based

Cord binds the chest tight, and a peaked head rises above it with calm composure.

This fetish figure is Adangbe, from Ghana, West Africa, dates to the 20th century, and is carved wood and pigment, presented on a base. Carved figures among the Adangbe and their neighbors are often bound, painted and added to over time, and such additions are generally understood to be part of their spiritual purpose. The figure has a tall pointed head with a long nose and narrow face. Thick twisted cord wraps several times around the upper body and arms. Bright blue pigment shows at the face and arms over grey, crusted wood. It is 4.25 inches wide, 4 deep and 12.5 high.

Bound up, built up, and holding steady.