H x W x D: 32.7 x 9.6 x 9.7 cm (12 7/8 x 3 3/4 x 3 13/16 in.)
Type:
Figure
Geography:
Benin
Date:
Mid 20th century
Label Text:
Bocio are focal points or containers for empowerment or spiritual power. This particular type of bocio is a menovi or traveling figure. It is offered palm oil and chicken to protect a traveller.
Description:
Wood standing female figure with hands under breasts, no feet on thick round base, crested, corn row hair, and protruding eyes with lids and simple triangular nose.
Provenance:
Michael and Shirley Furst, collected 1965-1968
Published References:
Blier, Suzanne Preston. 1995. African Vodun: Art, Psychology, and Power. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, p. 188, no. 87.
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