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Fetish

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Fetichism-or Fetishism

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Dictionaries
1910 New Catholic Dictionary
• Fetishism
Webster Dictionary
• Fetishism
• Fetish
Encyclopedias
1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
• Fetishism
McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia
• Fetichism-or Fetishism
• Fetish
The Catholic Encyclopedia
• Fetishism

(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.