Adangbe Wood Fetish Figure, Based

Blue cord at the waist, ringed eyes, and a slight lean, as if listening.

This fetish figure is Adangbe, from Ghana, West Africa, dates to the 20th century, and is carved wood and pigment, presented on a base. Among the Adangbe of southeastern Ghana, carved figures are generally associated with shrines and protective practice, and many show layers of pigment and binding. The figure stands with a smooth rounded head and incised circular eyes. Arms cross the chest under a band of dark cord. White and violet pigment cloud the surface, worn back to grey wood below. The body ends in a simple column. It is 4.25 inches wide, 4 deep and 12.75 high.

Small, upright, and carrying a great deal of quiet.