"Debira Pendant Figuring A Turtle - Gan Culture, South-west Burkina Faso - 19th Century"
DEBIRA PENDANT depicting a TURTLE with a domed shell incised with concentric circles, short legs and a small pair of bulging eyes. Gan culture, south-west Burkina Faso, 19th century
Copper alloy
Length: 3.3 cm; Length: 2.4 cm
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 helps with harvests and hunting.
Le Magazine de PROANTIC
TRÉSORS Magazine
Rivista Artiquariato