Fetish

Fetish (from the Portuguese fetisso, "magician," and fetisseira, "witch"), is a general name for the deities of the negroes of Guinea; each differing according to the direction of his masoucki or priest. The natives of Africa ascribe all their good-fortune to these gods, and make libations of palm wine in their honor. Some birds, the sword-fish, and certain stones are considered fetishes. These deities are worshipped at the foot of certain trees, are adored as household gods, and carried about by the devotees.