Diviner’s Charm

Lobi, Burkina Faso
Early 20th Century
Previous Collection: Michael Oliver, NYC. Drs. Jean and Noble Endicott Collection, NYC

Small amulets like these were used by diviners for protection and sometimes to anticipate the outcome of future events. The body is pierced for attachment to another figure or to be worn on a bag or on the person. The face is expressive and the body is almost cubist in form. The buttocks sticks out; the shoulders are back and the head projects forward producing a proud posture an almost zig-zag profile. The patina is like glass from all the handling over the decades. In excellent condition.

This charm stands 3” tall.

SOLD / 4-4-11