Kedie
Dan, Liberia
Late 19th-early 20th century
Previous Collections: Merton Simpson, New York, inv.# 9870. American collection, then by descent to family member
This unusual Dan piece is known as a Kedie; or sometimes Stella. These are kept on shrines when retired, but when in use they are powerful judgment pieces. These objects are immensely feared by the community. The wood is hard and has developed a deep blackened patina from decades of use. This example is highly refined, with two Janus masks carved at the top; its neck and base are covered in old cloth with attached cowrie’s shells. A brass ring is also wrapped around its neck. It is quite rare to find an example so complete with all of its original attachments, in person this objects is quite powerful and magical.
Kedie
Dan, Liberia
Late 19th-early 20th century
Previous Collections: Merton Simpson, New York, inv.# 9870. American collection, then by descent to family member
This unusual Dan piece is known as a Kedie; or sometimes Stella. These are kept on shrines when retired, but when in use they are powerful judgment pieces. These objects are immensely feared by the community. The wood is hard and has developed a deep blackened patina from decades of use. This example is highly refined, with two Janus masks carved at the top; its neck and base are covered in old cloth with attached cowrie’s shells. A brass ring is also wrapped around its neck. It is quite rare to find an example so complete with all of its original attachments, in person this objects is quite powerful and magical.