A striking and rare sculpture with amazing movement. Traditionally used as a healing fetish figure to help cure, or protect from, elephantiasis of the scrotum. The figure exhibits a very fine facial profile with a slightly oily and encrusted surface.
Elephantiasis of the scrotum was prevalent in some parts of tropical East Africa up until recent times. Before the advent of a medical cure a piece like this rare example was used by the traditional healer in a ritual to contain or protect his patient from the disease.
Mid-20th Century (or likely before)
Provenance: Christian Kennert Collection, Germany
Jan Willem Collection, The Netherlands
Bryan Reeves, London
Height: 39 cm
Custom mounted on wooden base as shown in images
(Click on Images to Enlarge)
