Description:

Africa, Republic of Benin, Fon peoples, ca. mid 20th century CE. A tall hand-carved wooden standing "Bocio" (or Boccio, literally "empowered cadaver") figure with attenuated legs, a tubular chest, and angular arms held tightly to his sides. A thick neck supports a large head with a petite nose, almond-shaped eyes, and a slender mouth with bared teeth. The figure displays a white kaolin coloration and wears beige and crimson waist band around his waist. Boccio figures were traditionally placed in shrines where they were sunk into the earth and allowed to age and weather with exposure. They are relatively small in scale; however, their spiritual presence is great. Fon Bocio statues are intended to protect by deterring evil spirits. They do not represent individual spirits; instead, their human phenotypes are believed to be repositories for spiritual forces. Size: 11" H (27.9 cm).

Provenance: ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA acquired prior to 1970

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#130803

  • Condition: Age-commensurate surface wear, fading and chips to pigmentation, small nicks to hands, head, feet, and body, and wear to textile adornments, otherwise very good. Nice earthen deposits throughout.

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March 1, 2018 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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