Makonde Terra Cotta Fetish Doll

Small things carry big weight. Ask anyone who has carried one in a pocket.

Makonde people, Tanzania, twentieth century. A terra cotta doll under four inches tall, with a rounded head, open mouth, and two small holes for eyes. Short arms with clenched hands. The surface is dark and worn, with pale patches showing the clay beneath. It ends abruptly at the base, with a rough edge.

The Makonde are best known for woodcarving. Clay, here, is a change of tongue.

Keep it in your palm, then on your desk. It will watch.