TALISMAN featuring a RIDER called Putchu guinadji

Sao Culture, Central Africa

First half of the 20th century

copper and brass

H.: 3.2; Size: 2.9 cm

This copper horseman, also called Kotoko Horseman, refers to a magical force in the Sao culture. The horse represents the sick, the man on the mount, who most often has no distinct feature, refers to the bad spirit.

The Putchu guinadji, literal translation of "horses of madness", had the ability to ward off possession, madness or dementia. Its small size allowed it to be carried everywhere by its owner, sometimes for several years.

It is said that the Sao are the ancestors of the Kotoko,

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.LP: 2947