The horrible-looking head seen in the photograph below is a fetish which was, until quite recently, in use among the natives of Sierra Leone. It is said to be covered with human skin,and the gruesomeness of its appearance was intentionally exaggerated, as it was intended to act as a kind of household god and a defence against evil spirits. These superstitions, it is interesting to note, are gradually becoming extinct under the pressure of British civilization.A GOLD COAST FETISH, USED TO KEEP EVIL SPIRITS AWAY FROM THE HOUSE—IT IS SAID TO BE COVERED WITH HUMAN SKIN.From a Photograph.
The horrible-looking head seen in the photograph below is a fetish which was, until quite recently, in use among the natives of Sierra Leone. It is said to be covered with human skin,and the gruesomeness of its appearance was intentionally exaggerated, as it was intended to act as a kind of household god and a defence against evil spirits. These superstitions, it is interesting to note, are gradually becoming extinct under the pressure of British civilization.
A GOLD COAST FETISH, USED TO KEEP EVIL SPIRITS AWAY FROM THE HOUSE—IT IS SAID TO BE COVERED WITH HUMAN SKIN.From a Photograph.
A GOLD COAST FETISH, USED TO KEEP EVIL SPIRITS AWAY FROM THE HOUSE—IT IS SAID TO BE COVERED WITH HUMAN SKIN.From a Photograph.