H x W x D: 50.8 x 21.3 x 3.6 cm (20 x 8 3/8 x 1 7/16 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Benin
Date:
Late 19th-early 20th century
Label Text:
The French word récade, also used by English-speaking scholars, derives from the Portuguese recados. The term originally referred to the emblem carried to authenticate a messenger and his message. All récades are called by the Fon word makpo, the "staff of fury."
There is remarkable variation in the form of the récade. Unlike most African ceremonial implements or weapons the récade does not seem to be modelled on a single type of functional object. It may be an axe or an adze or not have a blade at all. It may be abstract or have realistic animal depictions on the blade or the shaft.
The iconography of the récade, like asen, applique cloths and other types of Fon art, seem to refer both to individuals and proverbs, visual puns on names and words. The serpent blade could be a pun on a family name or may refer to the rainbow serpent, Dan Aido Hwedo. Dan is worshipped throughout Dahomey and is represented in a variety of art objects and media. Associated with the creator gods, Dan transmits souls from sky to earth, ensuring the continuity of the family lines. Dan also confers wealth and happiness and is associated with iron, gold and blue "popo" beads.
Description:
Récade composed of a wood handle with a rectangular blade in the back of the handle. and a cylindrical iron butt. The axe blade is in the form of a curved snake, with a metal scroll atop the axe blade and incised decorations on the blades.
Provenance:
Heinz Ott collection, Sweden, before 1997
Glen Rhodes, McLean, Virginia, -- to 2002
Published References:
Hurst, Norman. 1997. Ngola: The Weapon as Authority, Identity, and Ritual Object in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cambridge: Hurst Gallery, pp. 10-11, no. 4.
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