Rare, intensively tribally used FON couple, Benin, approx. 1950

Rare and authentic, tribally intensively used couple of the FON from Benin. Evident traces of intensive use during rituals. The feminine person has the iron Hevioso sign on her belly, the symbol of the god of thunder. The masculine person wears two iron snakes on the belly, which symbolize harmony. The masculine person also has a metal necklace with three metal keys, a bracelet with minuscule beads and Kaori shells on the torso. Furthermore dried chicken feathers and chicken blood are visible, as is a piece of red coloured cloth of natural fibres on the head. The feminine person has a metal necklace consisting of shackles, with Kaori shells, a bracelet with minuscule beads and pieces of cloth of natural fibres. And just like the man, it has a multilayered patina, which consists amongst others of chicken blood and feathers. Two authentic old pieces, that as a couple can be classified as rare. They are in good, used condition!

Height: 38 cm
Total weight: 1850 grams
Origin: Benin
Date: approx. 1950
Provenance: Obtained in situ by a Flemish ex-teacher, who taught in diverse places in Africa for years. His first name is Renaat, last name I can no longer recall, and I will try to find it.