Amulets & Pendants

Before a long journey, a Dan hunter closes his hand around a mask no bigger than a plum. Tribal amulets and pendants were worn for protection, devotion and power. Ethiopian Coptic crosses in silver and brass, Ge’ez prayer scrolls kept in leather cases. Indian folk plaque amulets stamped with Hanuman, Kali, Devi, the feet of Vishnu and the dog of Bhairava. Tuareg silver crosses. Senufo iron yawiige amulets prescribed by diviners. Dan passport masks, small enough to fit in the palm and carried as charms when leaving the village to hunt or travel. Worn smooth by skin and handling, each holds its meaning in a small weight. Group them on a felt-covered board and they read like a cabinet of small sculptures.