Legba - fon - Benin






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Description from the seller
Wood, pigments
32 cm
Provenance
Ivan THEIMER
Literature
VAUDOU, Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain
Fétiches de l'ancienne côte des esclaves, D.BOUDRE
BOTCHIO, sculptures Fon, Bénin, Espace Paul REBEYROLLE, Eymoutiers, Haute-Vienne
Phallus de Legba en bois sculpté, Bénin. This ancient votive representation is distinguished by a beautiful black, glossy patina of use, enriched with ritual pigments accumulated over the course of ceremonies. The numerous libations and manipulations have given it this oozing, characteristic appearance of cult objects long kept on an altar. The sculpted tip is treated in a stylized manner, while the base, today greatly eroded, bears witness to an ancient mounting system. The traces of age, ritual deposits, and the wear of the wood confer on this piece an authentic presence, representative of objects consecrated to Legba, the protective deity of passages, crossroads, and communication with the spirit world.
Seller's Story
Wood, pigments
32 cm
Provenance
Ivan THEIMER
Literature
VAUDOU, Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain
Fétiches de l'ancienne côte des esclaves, D.BOUDRE
BOTCHIO, sculptures Fon, Bénin, Espace Paul REBEYROLLE, Eymoutiers, Haute-Vienne
Phallus de Legba en bois sculpté, Bénin. This ancient votive representation is distinguished by a beautiful black, glossy patina of use, enriched with ritual pigments accumulated over the course of ceremonies. The numerous libations and manipulations have given it this oozing, characteristic appearance of cult objects long kept on an altar. The sculpted tip is treated in a stylized manner, while the base, today greatly eroded, bears witness to an ancient mounting system. The traces of age, ritual deposits, and the wear of the wood confer on this piece an authentic presence, representative of objects consecrated to Legba, the protective deity of passages, crossroads, and communication with the spirit world.
