A very unusual Zigua traditional fetish depicting two animals, likely dogs, one positioned on the back of the other. Carved from one piece of a hard dark wood, with leather strapping binding the bodies together. Fetish holes appear at the rear of both animals and also to the foreheads of each. Ruminants of dried ritual medicines can be seem at the entrance to each of these holes. The purpose of these cavities was to empower the fetish which would have aided its curing powers during traditional healing rituals. The surface shows a smooth worn patina in parts where the piece would have been held during use.
Estimated Period: Mid-20th Century
Ex Private Collection, London
Length: 25cm
Height: 17cm
Presented on a custom made wooden base
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