Fon Iron Fertility Fetish, Based

The smith’s hammer leaves a signature, and it is still legible here.

The Fon of Togo forged this small iron fertility object in the 20th century. In Fon practice iron carried strong spiritual associations, and compact forged pieces of this kind served as devotional and protective objects in vodun shrines and households.

A slender, hand-hammered shaft rises to a faceted, rounded head, while the base splits into two short feet. The surface is rust-brown and pitted. Eight inches tall, on a simple black base.

Spare, direct, a little severe. Some conversations need no more than that.