Fetish
Webster's Dictionary [1]
(1): ( n.) A material object supposed among certain African tribes to represent in such a way, or to be so connected with, a supernatural being, that the possession of it gives to the possessor power to control that being.
(2): ( n.) Any object to which one is excessively devoted.
(3): ( a.) Alt. of Fetishistic
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [2]
(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.
