Talisman Figuring A Horseman - Sao Culture, Central Africa - First Half Of The 20th Century

TALISMAN featuring a RIDER called Putchu guinadji 
Sao culture, Central Africa
First half of the 20th century
Copper and brass
Height: 3.2 cm, size: 2.9 cm 

This copper horseman, also called Kotoko horseman, refers to a magical force in the Sao culture. The horse represents the unwell, the man on the mount, which usually has no distinct features, refers to the evil spirit. 
 
The Putchu guinadji, literally translated as 'horses of madness', had the capacity to ward off possession, madness or dementia. Its small size allowed it to be carried everywhere by its owner, sometimes for several years. 

It is said that the Sao are the ancestors of the Kotoko,

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.LP : 2947