Shrine figure "a-Tshol", "ma-Tshol" or "elëk"
Boris Kegel-Konietzko, Hamburg, Germany
German Private Collection (since 1989)
Description
wood, metal, missing part
Among the culturally related Baga and Nalu peoples, these sacred objects were considered as guardians of the clan and had a protective function.
The name for a shrine figure changes according to who is using it, but always means “medicine.” Animal horns filled with magical ointments and powders are said to have been inserted into the openings on the head of the object to give the “Tshol” supernatural powers. The combination of human features with a distinctive bird beak was significant. Birds, the Baga believe, can fly between heaven - the world of spirits, and earth - the world of man.
“Tshol” were displayed at celebrations for a successful harvest, worn as horizontal headpieces at dances associated with male initiation and appear at funerals. When not in use, they were kept at shrines and sacrifices were made to them.