Les Fetiches

Les Fetiches

Date: 1938

Material: oil on linen

Size: (64.7 x 54.0 cm)

Collection: Smithsonian American Art Museum 

Les Fetiches by Lois Mailou Jones was made in 1938 during the time where the African aesthetic was popular. The painting consists of five overlapping masks from different African tribes. Les Fetiches was created before Jones’ trip to the African countries, and was instead made during her time in France. As previously stated, Jones went to France to experience the racial tolerance within the country and learn more as an artist. Jones’ usage of overlapping the tribal masks is to emphasize the many different cultures within Africa itself while also celebrating these cultures. She makes sure to include movement within the painting in order to express the African aesthetic features such as dance. Although she has not made her trip to Africa yet, Jones still expresses her desire to learn more about the many cultures within the continent.