The Putchu Guinadji are a traditional remedy for mental illnesses among the Muslim people of the Kotoko in the Cameroon-Chad-Nigeria triangle. The name, which originates from the Kotoko language area, means “Putchu” = horse and “Guinadji” = demon.

These miniatures, which are banned by Islamic fundamentalists and terror groups such as Boko Haram, are cast or forged from bronze, silver, copper or brass. They depict a horse with rider and keep the spirits the madman is possessed by in check when you wear them daily.

Only very few marabuts (Islamic healers) still have the necessary skills to produce a potent Putchu Guinadji in collaboration with the bronze caster. Once the marabout has diagnosed a client with a mental illness, a 15-day process follows, which includes the making of the figures, cooking with secret medicinal herbs and a blood sacrifice.

For very sick clients, the talismans are reinforced with leather applications and special fillings. This proven treatment method is becoming increasingly rare.