Torfan Pendant With Twenty-six Heads - Gan Culture, Burkina Faso - 19th Century

TORFAN pendant with TWENTY-SIX HEADS 
Gan culture, Burkina Faso 
19th century  
Copper alloy 
H. 38 ; L 15.2 cm 
 
Twenty-six-headed snake in copper alloy with a sinuous body punctuated by twisted lines referring to the reptile's scales. The twenty-six radiating heads are arranged around a disc incised with concentric circles. A suspension ring is set into the smooth reverse. 
 
The Torfan is a spiritual entity. He manifests himself in the form of a snake which, depending on the representation, may have from one to ten heads. This divination could only be preserved by the fetish healer. 
We should add that among the Gans, the role of the blacksmith fulfils this duality of sorcerer and diviner. He is the one who masters fire.