This traditional " nail fetish" * head mask has multiple nails pounded into the top of the head with painted glass fragments for eyes. It measures 40cm tall x 20cm wide x 20cm deep. In good vintage condition with hessian cloth bindings around the edge, a pleasant exotic odour permeates from the treated rope and nail decorated "hair" section. Congo, Central Africa, early-mid 20th C.
*Many tribes inhabiting the Congo lands in Central Africa are known for their impressive carved figures imbued with unique spiritual power. European colonizers first came across these objects and recognized them as 'fetishes.' They saw them purely as tools of barbaric devil-worshiping rituals; however, they failed to understand the full scope, depth and complexity of the purpose behind them. These artful figures are known as nkisi (pl. minkisi). The objects alone do not possess ‘dark magic’ as the Europeans first assumed; but instead, are considered receptacles for spirits to inhabit, bearing unseen and unrivalled powers from the world of the dead.(courtesy www.beprimitive.com)
Customer Comments: " Perfect - absolutely love it thank you - straight out of the box and onto the wall " F.C. , Bristol
