Makonde Fetish Doll Depicting an Elephant

Long nose, short legs, and absolutely no doubt about what it is.

Makonde makers of Tanzania, East Africa, modeled this terra cotta fetish figure of an elephant in the late 19th or early 20th century. Small clay figures like this are often associated with protective or ritual use, though details vary. The animal stands on four stubby legs with a heavy, down-curving trunk and a small round eye. The surface is rough and crusted, gray-brown with scattered flecks of pale residue along the back and sides.

About 8 inches long. A small, solid animal for a desk or a windowsill.