Snake Pendant - Gan Culture, Burkina Faso - 19th Century

SNAKE PENDANT referring to the spiritual entity of the Torfan with a sinuous openwork double body. The snake holds a stylised fish in its mouth.  
Gan culture, Burkina Faso 
19th century  
Copper alloy 
H. 22.3; L 6 cm 
 
The Torfan is a spiritual entity. It manifests itself as a snake that can have from one to ten heads, depending on its representation. This divination could only be preserved by the fetish healer. 
We should add that among the Gans, the role of the blacksmith fulfils this duality of sorcerer and diviner. He is the one who masters fire. 

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