"Debira Pendant Figuring A Snake - Gan Culture, South-west Burkina Faso - 19th Century"
DEBIRA PENDANT depicting a stylised SERPENT with a body divided into two symmetrical volutes around a suspension ring. Gan culture, south-west Burkina Faso, 19th century
Copper alloy
10 cm long, 6 cm long
Debira pendants are the plastic expression of the Torfan. He is a spiritual entity who can manifest himself in many forms, such as a snake, tortoise, chameleon, panther or caiman. Its representations can vary, and fetishes can have from one to ten heads.
As a protective figure, it keeps evil spirits away from people and livestock, and favours harvests and hunting.
Ref. : 4155
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