Carved in the likeness of a human being this figure stands squarely on an elevated base, with his arms at his sides and his hands clenching his buttocks. The chest is forward and the head is held high wearing an overturned pottery bowl on top. He carries a mirrored box on his stomach filled with sacred medicine. This type of spirit is an all powerful fetish figure used to protect or destroy individuals, families or communities. He is invoked by the hammering of a nail or other metal substance into the wood. At the request of a victim of theft, for example, a nail would be driven into the wooden figure, and the spirits would punish the thief. A figure such as this also worked to deter any negative actions. Agreements would be sealed in front of the figure, and could punish all future violators. The mirror of the abdominal box and the whites of the eyes refer to the ability of the ritual specialist to pass between the worlds of the living and the dead. This figure is impaled with several types of long iron nails, blades and brads into the torso and legs.
Signs of wear and use, overall fine condition.
14-1/2 inches high x 6 in. wide x 7 in. deep.
2 lbs. 12 oz. (1230g.)
20th century.
Provenance: Michael Rips, New York.