Like the masks the african figures were used for different roles. African Figures in art from Afrcia are mainly ancestor figures, fetishes or dolls. Carving african figures the artist followed the traditional style more strictly than creating masks. Therefore many people are speaking of copies, because the obviously same type of african figures is published before. But this is not true discussing authentic african figures. Each african figure must have the personal expression of the artist and it is authentic by its use in the rituals of the tribe. Therefore we have to between the following main groups of carvings:
We try to find authentic figures, but sometimes we must accept good copies too, because the use is not visible.
Ancestor african figures are used as a spiritual or ceremonial stand-in for the spirit of the deceased. They have to be carved with signs of recognition for the coming spirit of the ancestor and the have to be carved in a good quality in honor of the ancestor. The priests know how to invite the ancestors to dwell in the figure. Aside of a good quality of these african figures it needs more to satisfy the ancestor. The african figures are decorated and will have food and drinking. The storage of the african figures is very different- sometime in the field for a good crop, in front of the house to protect the family, inside in a shrine, big figures in a temple e.t.c.. This is what gives the african figures so different appearances independent from age.
African Fetishes own a magical power obtained in special rituals. They are needed very often for protection, like protection from illness or protection during pregnancy. But they can bring luck like pregnancy or success while hunting They often have many nails and mystical equipment. The objects are simple handycraft, but many collectors like them .
Dolls are normally not for playing with. The are needed for the education of girls for the coming motherhood. When waiting for pregnancy the girls are carrying the dolls.
One example of an African figure and their role in the African life, includes the Yoruba-Ere lbeji dolls. These are memorial figures which are created after a single or both twin babies have died. The mother then continues to "nourish", wash and cloth these dolls, just as she would live babies. This is done to prevent any harm from being unleashed on the remaining children which are alive and it is also designed to help the mother deal with her loss.