H x W x D: 36.1 x 7.9 x 10.3 cm (14 3/16 x 3 1/8 x 4 1/16 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 male figure on cylindrical base, with arms bent and held close to the body, hands on stomach and legs bent at the knee. Face has protruding coffee bean eyes, open mouth and large ears.
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. 189, no. 88.
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