Silver Equestrian Figure
Kotoko, Chad / Cameroon
Silver
Early 20th century

Silver equestrians are rather uncommon among the Kotoko, where practically every piece is cast in bronze or brass.

The meaning and function of these enigmatic pieces was quite under-studied until Henning Christoph traveled to Cameroon in 2012 to research and document their origins. Christoph is a photographer, author, documentary film maker, and founder of the Soul of Africa Museum in Essen, Germany. This description concisely summarizes their purpose:

"The casting of the Putchu Guinadji is dying out with only a few casters and marabouts left still who offer this service to heal madness. The word Putchu means horse and Guinadji means demon in the Kotoko language. Putchu Guinadji are the horse and rider who fight the demons attacking a mad person. The horsemen are usually worn on a string or leather band under the arm and under clothing, concealed from other people. No one may touch a Putchu Guinadji that is worn and active because the madness can be passed on. The sick person wears the talisman all his/her life and by its rubbing against the body, the Putchu Guinadji develops a very smooth patina. After the person has died, the piece may be sold or given back to the marabout who activated it. Some people are buried with their Putchu Guinadji."

1.5 x 1.5 in. :: 4 x 4 cm

InventoryID #13-1448

SOLD