Fetish couple protection statue, FON, Benin, ca 1960

Fetish protection statue of the Fon. A Janus statue in the shape of a married couple. There used to be a ring in the hole in the arms that further accentuated the connection. On the man's chest there is a cavity for a charge (filling of secret ingredients applied by a nganga to give the statue its power). Stylistically strong statue with the style characteristics of the Fon. Another band of textile around the waist. The statue has obvious and appropriate traces of use and age and is neatly placed on a custom-made pedestal. A single shrinkage crack is visible, not unusual for these types of African statues. See the pictures!

Length: 36 cm, including base, approx. 39.5 cm
Weight: 553 grams
Origin: Benin
Date: ca 1960
Provenance: ex Peter Beaujean