The Fagalde Collection of West African Tribal Art - The Nkondi or Nkonde Nail Fetish

Fetishes were protective figures used by individuals, families, or whole communities to destroy or weaken evil spirits, prevent or cure illnesses, repel bad deeds, solemnize contracts or oath-taking, and decide arguments. A diviner or holy person would activate the statue, using magical substances. Fetishes gained power and were effective because people believed in them...
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The nkondi are the most powerful of the nkisi. They were used to identify and hunt down unknown wrongdoers such as thieves, and people who were believed to cause sickness or death by occult means. They were also used to punish people who swore false oaths and villages which broke treaties...

The Fagalde Collection of West African Tribal Art: History of the Marka Masks of Mali, West Africa

The masks of the Marka (a Mande subgroup) originated in the landlocked country of Mali, West Africa.

Long ago masks such as the Marka were thought to be extremely powerful and had the ability to frighten away evil spirits, convey messages from the spirit world and cure illnesses.

The Marka would perform ceremonies devoted to fishing and farming, and their stylized masks would be danced to invoke the spirits to grant the community with abundant agricultural yields and a successful fishing season...

History of the Marka Masks of Mali

The Fagalde Collection of West African Tribal Art: African Rock Art - January 2017

Rock paintings and engravings are Africa’s oldest continuously practiced art form.

Depictions of elegant human figures, richly hued animals, and figures combining human and animal features - called therianthropes and associated with shamanism - continue to inspire admiration for their sophistication, energy, and direct, powerful forms...
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