Primitive Magic
In the course of their studies of other cultures, anthropologists have reported
numerous customs and practices which seem bizarre to average American. Some 
primitive people believe that certain inanimate objects have a will of their
own and possess magical powers. The fetishes may be simple things like a 
particular feather of a bird or a unique pebble. The fetish might have derived
its magical power, according to the members of some tribes, from gods or
supernatural powers who live within an object and turned it into a thing of 
magic. Fetishes need not only be natural objects, however. An artifact such as
a sculpture or carving is also believed possesses supernatural powers.

To get down off a high horse--When Susan discovered that the young man who 
was trying to make conversation with her was the son of a millionaire,
she immediately got down off her high horse.
(to act like an ordinary person.)