Fon Kneeling Figure with Beads

Beads, brass, cowrie. A Fon figure was dressed the way you would dress someone you meant to honor.

Carved in Benin in the 20th century, this kneeling figure stands thirteen inches tall. Among the Fon, figures were often adorned with beads, metal and other materials, which strengthened their spiritual role. It kneels upright on a round base, arms at its sides, under a domed head with narrow, heavy-lidded eyes and fine incised lines on face and brow. A necklace of tan beads circles the neck. Strands of blue and multicolored beads wrap the waist. Several brass bracelets hang from both wrists.

The wood is a warm, light brown, softly worn. Well dressed, and well behaved.