Pendant Figuring A Seated Character - Dogon Culture, Mali - Circa 1900

DEBIRA PENDANT depicting a TURTLE with a domed shell incised with concentric circles, short legs and a small pair of bulging eyes. 
Gan culture, south-west Burkina Faso, 19th century  
Copper alloy 
Length: 3.3 cm; Length: 2.4 cm 
 
Debira pendants are the plastic expression of the Torfan. He is a spiritual entity who can manifest himself in many forms, such as a snake, tortoise, chameleon, panther or caiman. Its representations can vary, and fetishes can have from one to ten heads.  
As a protective figure, it keeps evil spirits away from people and livestock, and helps with harvests and hunting.