Click Here for New Arrivals! When a member of the BaLuba tribe is stricken with a mental health disorder, the villages' Nganga(doctor), is summoned into action to diagnose the malady. The Nganga would place this fetish directly in front of the person in question and discern whether he could cure the individual. The statue depicts a monkey biting his tail, which symbolizes madness. The detailed tortoise shell upon which the monkey stands represents divination, thus the discerning of madness. After a set amount of time, the Nganga looks into the belly of the monkey through the protrusion attached at the center of the monkeys' torso, which has a glass cover on the external end. Like a TV screen into the soul, the doctor is then able to see into the persons' insanity. If he decides that he can cure it, the appropriate medicines are placed into the two woven rattan baskets that are strapped onto the back of the monkey by a thick cord. This potion may include human and or animal parts, herbs, earth, clay and liquids. The medicines sit for a predetermined period of time then is consumed by the distressed individual. Monkey fur and sacrificed chicken feathers comprise the headdress. These are added to enhance the powers of the fetish itself. The BaLuba Monkey Fetish embodies the very mysticism, dark magic and ritualism that are associated with the Dark Continent, to the utmost. The piece has an age crack that runs along side the face on the left. In no way, does this take away from the superb qualities of this selection. Other than that, this object is in excellent condition. Please click photo for enlargement! Sold. When OFFLINE click button to leave a message!
Dimensions: 21 inches tall x 8 inches wide x 8 inches deep including the cup. Wt: 8 lbs. **For a complete inventory listing please go to the 'Index' section on the Navigation Bar to your right** |
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