Shrine Figure
Fon, Benin
19th c.
Previous Collections: Jim Willis, San Francisco. Private collection, Boston
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 possesses great negative and positive space. With a snake climbing up the body of the figure it’s truly a wonderful sculpture.
Shrine Figure
Fon, Benin
19th c.
Previous Collections: Jim Willis, San Francisco. Private collection, Boston
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 possesses great negative and positive space. With a snake climbing up the body of the figure it’s truly a wonderful sculpture.