Shrine Figure

Fon, Benin
19th Century
Previous Collection Jim Willis, California


Most Fon figures known today are quite powerful with their accumulated surfaces; but for the most part, they lack aesthetic beauty. This figure is incredibly powerful while at the same time being truly beautiful. To fully appreciate the age of this piece; the heavy encrusted surface needs to be touched. The accumulation is extreme from generations of libations. The carving genius doesn’t end with a beautifully rendered mystical face; the finely sculpted body possess’s great negative and positive space. With a snake climbing up the body of the figure; this is a true masterpiece.

This shrine figure stands 11 inches tall.

SOLD / IN 305