Fetichism and fetich worshipers / by Baudin ; translated by M. McMahon.

  • Noël Baudin
Date:
1885
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Fetichism and fetich worshipers / by Baudin ; translated by M. McMahon. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    13/144 page 5
    PART FIRST. FETICHISM ; OR, THE RELIGION OF THE NEGROES OF GUINEA. In the mLlst of the explorations and scientific expédi- tions which bave gradually robbed Africa of her mysteries, fetichism has guarded its ow.n. Up to the présent time, this word has awakened in Europe only a very vague idea of the adoration .of animal matter, and a sentiment of profound pity for the unfortunate black fetich-worship- pers. We grant that appearances favor these sentiments. The European on arriving in Guinea encounters at every step in the negro villages idols of wood or clay, as gro- tesque as they are unclean, rudely made,and daubed with cock’s blood and palm-oil by their stupid adorers. One glance suffices to fill the European with contempt for this worship; but when he soon learns that these shapeless divinities thirst for huraan blood, and that human victims are immolated to appease them, immediately adding indignation to contempt he execrates fétiches and fetich- worshippers, considering them thereafter unworthy his attention. This explains the imperfect, even false idea that prevails concerning fetichism. What is called fetichism is but the material covering ; but if by the aid of profound study we are enabled to read through this veil, fetichism appears very different, and we are aston-
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