Miniature Double Talisman Figure, Hanyedio
Kulango, Ivory Coast
Bronze
Early 20th century

The Kulango call their miniature metal talismans hanyediohun (singular hanyedio).They represent the small spirits of the natural world, forests, and waterways. For the Kulango, the bush is not only populated by wild animals, but also by supernatural beings that gather in the forests, springs, river banks, inside certain trees, and on the hills. Untrustworthy and with a mischevious sense of humor, they live for over a thousand years. These wandering entities need some kind of physical support to control their chaotic, restless energy – both powerful and threatening – and render them benevolent. A talisman provides them with the necessary corporeality: a shelter that tames the spirit and gives it an expressive shape.

Double figures such as this sometimes embody the concept of symbiosis, which is fundamental to Kulango thought, yet can also represent duality, or more practically, twins. Additionally, double figures can represent spirit couples (well-known from the Baule) or the mystical original couple (Boyer, Kulango Figurines, 2017).

Ex. Montagut Gallert, Barcelona

Ex. Renaud Vanuxem, Paris

1.75 in. :: 4.5 cm

InventoryID #13-2680

Price on Request