Fang Bwiti Fetish Figure

Wrapped, bound and ringed at the waist. Its power was meant to stay contained.

This Bwiti fetish figure is by the Fang peoples of Cameroon, 20th century, made with twine, leather and iron. Bwiti is a spiritual and initiation tradition among the Fang and neighboring peoples, and objects made for it belonged to a serious religious life, though the meanings of individual pieces are seldom recorded. The form is abstract: a hooded upper section and rounded lower body, both leather-covered with fine scored crossings, joined by tight coils of metal at the waist. Slender curved prongs extend from the base. Eleven inches high.

It keeps its own counsel.