This unusual fetish represents an animal, more than likely a bird, in an abstract form. The carved wooden stopper, which features a fetish hole at the top, represents the head of the animal and its elongated beak. A row of fine dot decorations run down one side of the stopper.
The body of the fetish is wrapped in strips of animal hide and cloth, which secures in place two animal horns. These horns would have been used to hold traditional medicines that would have empowered the fetish. The bird's long legs have been carved from wood. The wooden extension at the rear would have acted as a means to hold the fetish. The animal fetish exhibits an encrusted surface patina.
This fetish was field collected in Hadeni Village near the Lushoto Mountains region of North Eastern Tanzania.
Ex Private Collection, Tanzania
Estimated Period: Mid-20th Century (1950's - 1960's)
