Tchitcherik

What it is

A tchitcherik, also called a tchitcherik sakwa, is a wooden sculpture created by the Moba people of northern Togo and Ghana. These figures serve as representations of ancestors, with the plural form tchitcheri sakab translating to "ancestors" in the Moba language. The statues are characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, resembling abstract art. They typically feature a cylindrical trunk, straight arms and legs, and a round head attached directly without a neck. While sizes vary, they generally stand around one metre tall. The figures are named according to the specific ancestral clan they are intended to honor.

Where it comes from

The practice originates among the Moba communities in the northern regions of Togo and Ghana. The terminology reflects the cultural focus on lineage, as the word sakab specifically denotes ancestors. Each sculpture is assigned a name linked to the clan of the ancestor it represents, establishing a direct connection between the object and the family history it preserves. The design emphasizes simplicity, stripping the human form down to essential geometric shapes. This approach aligns with broader traditions of African sculpture while maintaining a distinct regional style focused on ancestral veneration.

How it is done

The creation and placement of a tchitcherik follow specific protocols managed by religious specialists. Only diviners possess the authority to commission these sculptures, and they alone determine the required size and sex of the figure. Once completed, the statue is positioned upright in the earth. It is often planted deep enough to reach the groin level, which leaves the lower portion exposed to the elements. Over time, this exposure leads to damage from xylophagus insects that consume the wood, altering the appearance of the legs.

Tools and materials

Wood is the sole material used for constructing these statues. The carving process results in a simplified form that prioritizes symbolic representation over realistic detail. The resulting object consists of a central cylindrical body with linear limbs and a spherical head. The natural state of the wood remains visible, and the structural integrity is maintained despite the eventual insect damage to the buried sections.

What it is for

The primary function of a tchitcherik is to honor and commemorate the ancestors of a specific clan. These statues act as physical anchors for remembrance, allowing the community to acknowledge their lineage and spiritual heritage. By commissioning a figure through a diviner, individuals seek to establish or maintain a relationship with their forebears. The statues serve as focal points for ancestral veneration, ensuring that the memory and influence of past generations remain present within the community.

Who does it

Diviners play a central role in the existence of these statues. They are the exclusive agents authorized to order the creation of a tchitcherik. Their responsibilities include deciding the precise dimensions and gender of the sculpture needed for a particular clan or individual. This control over the production process underscores the spiritual significance of the figures. The diviner acts as the intermediary between the living community and the ancestral realm, determining how the ancestors should be represented physically.

Peoples and places

The tchitcherik is a cultural artifact of the Moba people, who reside in the northern parts of Togo and Ghana. This tradition is specific to their ethnic group and reflects their unique approach to ancestral representation. The statues are deeply embedded in Moba society, serving as markers of identity and continuity. The practice distinguishes the Moba from neighboring groups through its specific terminology and artistic style, which combines functional ritual use with a distinctive abstract aesthetic.

What people believe

The statues embody a belief system centered on the reverence of ancestors. Each figure represents a real ancestor associated with a particular clan, rather than a generic spirit or deity. This indicates a worldview where lineage and familial history hold significant spiritual weight. The placement of the statue in the ground suggests a connection to the earth and the permanence of ancestral presence. The community holds that these figures facilitate a link to the past, keeping the ancestors accessible and honored within the social structure.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Academic interest in tchitcherik has led to their inclusion in major museum collections. Works by Douglas Newton and others have featured these sculptures in exhibitions such as African and Oceanic Art at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Other references appear in publications discussing ethnocentrism in creation and world cultural treasures held in Leipzig. Private collections, such as that of Fritz Koenig, also preserve these items. Scholars analyze these objects as examples of African art and cultural expression.

Compare and confuse

The term tchitcherik is sometimes paired with sakwa, while the plural form appears as tchitcheri sakab. These variations reflect different grammatical structures within the Moba language. The statues are often compared to abstract art due to their simplified geometric forms. Unlike many figurative sculptures that emphasize detailed anatomy, tchitcherik focus on essential shapes. This stylistic choice sets them apart from more realistic depictions found in other African traditions, highlighting a preference for symbolic abstraction.

Today

Contemporary recognition of tchitcherik extends beyond their original cultural context into the global art market. Museums in Jerusalem and Leipzig have acquired these sculptures, displaying them as significant works of African art. Private collectors also maintain these pieces, ensuring their preservation outside of their place of origin. This movement into institutional and private hands highlights the transition of these ritual objects into artifacts of cultural heritage. The practice continues to be documented through academic and curatorial efforts.

Questions people ask about Tchitcherik

Good reading and sources

• Tchitcherik on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data