Small statues called 'deble' an abbreviation
of 'madebele' which means spirit, are used by diviners. Human in
form, they represent the bush or nature spirits to assist people to main-
tain good health, achieve success, & develop satisfactory relationships
with friends and family. Spirits can also be accountable for people’s
illness or hardship. Diviners would commission artists to carve the
‘Deble’ to appeal to the unpredictable spirits and seek their goodwill
and appease them.
Ex. Ex. Christopher and Genevieve McConnell collection.
Some splits down abdomen, base, right foot and side of the head.
Height: 12 ˝" x Width: 2 ľ" x Depth: 2 Ľ".
