Debira Pendant Figuring Two Chameleons - South-west Burkina Faso - 19th Century

DEBIRA PENDANT featuring two superimposed CAMEONS forming a crescent moon. Their tails end in volutes and their eyes are studded with incised rivets. The middle of their backs, occupied by a cartouche animated by friezes, is decorated with a wide ringed suspension ring. 
Gan culture, south-west Burkina Faso, 19th century  
Copper alloy 
H. 18; L 18 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.  
A protective figure, it keeps evil spirits away from people and livestock, and favours harvests and hunting. 

N°240

Art no: 4302