West African Fon Boccio Sculpture, C. 1900

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The Fon people are a major West African ethnic and linguistic group in the country of Benin and in southwest … Read more The Fon people are a major West African ethnic and linguistic group in the country of Benin and in southwest Nigeria. Their religion, Voudon, centers around a vast pantheon of gods and spirits, many of which are animals. This ferocious-looking creature is a boccio, a hand-carved wooden figure used in religious rituals. Lavished with offerings or called forth through sacred ceremonies performed by a priest, the boccio was called upon for individual protection or on behalf of the well being of an entire community. Resembling a dog or a lion, this masterfully carved boccio is detailed with large protruding eyes and the fearsome bared teeth of a guardian. See less