Togo - West Africa - page 915

Totems & Talismans
An important feature of traditional religions is the totem, an object (usually representing an
animal) that serves as an emblem for a particular ethnic group, and is usually connected
with the original ancestor of that group. It is taboo for a member of the clan whose totem is,
for example, a snake, to harm any snake, as this would be harming the ancestor. Other com-
mon totems include lions, crocodiles and birds, although many of the animals themselves
have disappeared from the West African wild.
Talismans (sometimes called fetishes) are another important feature in animism. These
are objects (or charms) that are believed to embody a spirit, and can take many forms. For
example, bird skulls and other animal parts may be used as charms by a learned elder for
helping people communicate with their ancestors. The elders (usually men) responsible for
these sacred objects are sometimes called fetish priests or féticheurs .
The most common charms found throughout West Africa are the small leather or metal
amulets, often containing a sacred object, which are worn by people around the neck, arm
or waist. These are called grigri and are usually worn to ward off evil or bring good luck.
Many West African Muslims (including the Tuareg) also wear grigri, which are called
t'awiz in other Islamic countries; there is often a small verse from the Quran inside and
they are only considered effective if made by a marabout (saint).
WEST AFRICAN ARCHITECTURE - TOP PICKS
Mudbrick Mosques
» Djenné Mosque (Mali)
» Dyingerey Ber Mosque and Sankoré Mosque, Timbuktu (Mali)
» Grande Mosquée, Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso)
» The seven mosques of Bani (Burkina Faso)
» Grande Mosquée, Agadez (Niger)
Fortified Villages
» Dogon Country (Mali)
» Tamberma Valley (Togo)
» Lobi family compounds (Burkina Faso)
Painted Facades
» Gourounsi homes, Tiébélé (Burkina Faso)