This is a 1930's era wrist charm fetish recently purchased from a private collection.  It features a carved representation of Eshu, the trickster or Messenger God. He has bug eyes and pointed plait of hair. There is ritual scarification on his cheeks.

The eight spider like legs of cowrie shells are strung on hide leather which are attached to a leather collar with small hand made nails. He has retained his original natural hide leather wrist strap. Note how his head is notched to hold the leather strap in place. There is also a British West Africa coin dated 1930 attached to the fetish with a similar leather strap.

 

It measures 4" tall.

Condition: Good. It is in original as found condition with natural patina and ceremonial wear.

We purchased the collection of late 19th and early 20th century Nigerian artifacts collected between approx. 1950-70. There are over 50 pieces with a focus on ceremonial, ritual and spiritual tools and also a collection of West African currency manilla bracelets. Many are rare museum quality pieces including Ifa Divination tools, cowrie shrines and fetishes and other Eshu figures.

Be sure to check my listings for the other pieces from the same collection. All the pieces have been privately held for the last 60+ years by the original collectors and are offered here for sale for the first time.

Provenance will be provided to the winning buyer if requested.