Kotoko Equestrian Figure As Protective Talismanic Amulet
About this piece
A small bronze rider, sewn into a case of hide.
Among the Kotoko of Chad, small horse-and-rider castings were often kept as protective charms, and wrapping them in leather made them easy to carry or wear. Originally created to ward off malevolent forces or demons, they are now considered charms capable of providing all forms of protection. Such charms are called Putchu Guinadji. Putchu translates as horse, Guinadji as demons or spirits. This one, cast in the 20th century, is almost completely covered by its dark brown hide, which follows the outline of the figure and is sewn along the edges with pale thread. Bronze shows at the tips of the legs and at two rounded points near the top, polished bright by handling. Inside the leather is all sorts of magical substances.
A twisted leather cord rises from the upper edge. There are creases, scuffs, patches of old residue. Not everything ought to be shown. Some of it is better hidden.
