Fetish Object
Benalulua, Democratic Rep. of Congo
19th-Early 20th Century
Provenance: Egon Guenther Collection, this fetish was originally acquired in 1971. Sotheby’s New York, November, 2000, lot 97. Private Collection, New York
This very rare fetish object is comprised of a swirling shaped animal horn supporting a large fetish bundle of woven fiber, inset with metal tacks and iron plugs, supporting an ancestor head with large oval incised upturned eyes, and attenuated neck. The head is surmounted by a fetish cavity encircled by copper. It has a rich and oily patina that developed over time, from numerous ritual libations. This fetish has a very powerful and magical presence. The collector’s initials “EG’ are painted in pigment on the underside of the horn.
Fetish Object
Benalulua, Democratic Rep. of Congo
19th-Early 20th Century
Provenance: Egon Guenther Collection, this fetish was originally acquired in 1971. Sotheby’s New York, November, 2000, lot 97. Private Collection, New York
This very rare fetish object is comprised of a swirling shaped animal horn supporting a large fetish bundle of woven fiber, inset with metal tacks and iron plugs, supporting an ancestor head with large oval incised upturned eyes, and attenuated neck. The head is surmounted by a fetish cavity encircled by copper. It has a rich and oily patina that developed over time, from numerous ritual libations. This fetish has a very powerful and magical presence. The collector’s initials “EG’ are painted in pigment on the underside of the horn.