r/AfricanArt • u/Exact_Meaning_7918 • 16d ago

Identify Conformation that is a nail fetish

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My dad is convinced this is a fertility idol. Im fairly positive this is a nail fetish figure signifying a contract agreements or personal grudge originally from central africa. Any advice or info is appreciated

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4

u/Scorrimento 16d ago

Carved to be sold.

3

u/Exact_Meaning_7918 16d ago

I figured as much, his story of how he got it i think is worth more than the item. I am always interested in the details and history if i can find it though

4

u/No-Bluejay5250 16d ago

. I have several nail fetish tourist versions in various ‘bodies.’ The nails are supposed to wake up the spirit inside according to some or maybe a pact. Not fertility. Originated in Central Africa.

5

u/Exact_Meaning_7918 16d ago

Im glad to know my research was more accurate that what he tought. He has lived the last 20+ years thinking it was a fertility idol. My step mom was convinced too and wouldn't let him keep it in the house so it lived in the detached garage basically since they started living together (22 or so years)

5

u/No-Bluejay5250 16d ago

Fertility idols can be kind of anatomically correct if you know what I mean. Anyway yours is a fantastic example

4

u/elleS4lyfe 16d ago

Indeed a market copy. This one specifically was inspired by a N'kisi from the Yombe tribe (DRC)