Element of Asen - Fon - Benin
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Elément d'Asen, a black iron Fon ceremonial altar element from Benin (Ouidha), late 20th century, 16 cm high by 13 cm wide by 9 cm deep, authentic original from a private collection in fair condition.
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Description from the seller
ASEN FON Altar Element — Ouidah, Benin.
15,5 x 13 x 8 cm
Black iron, Beautiful patina of wear.
The asen is consecrated and installed in the ancestors’ case during ceremonies that mark the lifting of mourning. The deceased resides in this altar where he is offered "à boire": alcohol and libations.
Dahomean art possesses a great originality, that of having transmitted the history and traditions of the Fon people in the form of ideograms and rebuses.
The figures on the asen are supposed to refer to the person one wishes to commemorate. They are generally a direct representation of the deceased’s profession or of his religious affiliation. The asen is decorated with symbols specific to each deceased person.
That is why the Fon themselves say that the only people capable of fully understanding these symbols are the person who made the asen or the one who commissioned it.
ASEN FON Altar Element — Ouidah, Benin.
15,5 x 13 x 8 cm
Black iron, Beautiful patina of wear.
The asen is consecrated and installed in the ancestors’ case during ceremonies that mark the lifting of mourning. The deceased resides in this altar where he is offered "à boire": alcohol and libations.
Dahomean art possesses a great originality, that of having transmitted the history and traditions of the Fon people in the form of ideograms and rebuses.
The figures on the asen are supposed to refer to the person one wishes to commemorate. They are generally a direct representation of the deceased’s profession or of his religious affiliation. The asen is decorated with symbols specific to each deceased person.
That is why the Fon themselves say that the only people capable of fully understanding these symbols are the person who made the asen or the one who commissioned it.
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Fon
Country of Origin
Benin
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Black iron
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Fair condition
Title of artwork
Element of Asen
Height
16 cm
Width
13 cm
Depth
9 cm
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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