ANCESTRAL FIGURE / FETISH OBJECT In African Art.

An ancestral figure is a wood sculpture, a dignified and solemn symbol of a tribal  hero, the first mother of a tribe, the ultimate dwelling place of the tribal soul, imbued with power. It provides a link between the gods and men.

Ancestral figures exhibits all special features and characteristics of the tribe; tribal marks, coiffures, emblems etc.
They are made in such a way that they please the spirit being invited to make its dwelling in the figure. The figure is done in the semblance of a handsome young virgin male or a beautiful virgin girl who's spirit is drawn into the figure on complettion and consecration; Through earnest prayers, sacrifices offered in the form of blood of animals and in very extreme cases human blood, pouring libations, first fruit of the harvest to mention a few.

The figure imbued with power, takes part in the life of the tribe, community or family. Mediates protection,  fertility, riches, blessing of children, makes its will known through signs or its priests.
The large sculptures are usually the communal possesion of a tribe, village, clan, large family or society. They are usually kept and cared for by a priest, and brought out and worshipped during festivals and ceremonies.
The small figures, may be owned by individual, as personal gods - they are placed in secluded corners in the house and reverenced periodically.

FETISH OBJECTS.

The fetish object is an object imbued with magical substances, usually of indeterminate form, made and consecrated by a medicine man It protects the person who calls  upon it, in every imagineable situation and from all dangers. Some fetish objects may be found with the features of the sacred tribal ancestors or powerful, and dynamic leader or ancestor; all these are what we count as art works nowadays.