In advising individuals, families, or clans, Moba
diviners prescribe tchitcheri figures to fortify their clients and
improve their lives. Such works increase the efficacy of the
ritual actions performed at shrines by calling forth positive
ancestral influences. They are protective and promote health
and prosperity on a range of different levels. When a particular
problem disrupted an individual's life, diviners often recommended
the addition of a figurative work to that person's private altar.
Similarly, problems of broader concern, such as diseased livestock,
poor harvests, or infertility, often led diviners to prescribe that a
larger work be commissioned for a family shrine.
Minimally carved as it represents a spirit, and rendered abstractly in human form with no facial features, hands or feet, as is typical with these.
According to the book 'Africa - The Art of the Continent', given the association with founding ancestors, the general belief among the Moba is that the figures are 200 years old or more.
Ex. Charles Jones African Art, N. Carolina, Ex. Graven Images Ltd., New York and Ex. Christopher and Genevieve McConnell collection. Charles Jones was one of the 1st early field collectors of Moba art.
Height: 37" H
Width: 8"
Stand dimensions: 9" x 9" x 1 ¾"
Height including stand: 38 3/4"
