Fon Fetish Figure, 20th Century
Fon culture; Benin
Wood, cloth, glass and shells; 13 in.
87.…

Sculpture (Bocio)

ClassificationsSculpture

Culture Fon

Date20th Century

Made AtBenin, Africa

MediumWood, cloth, glass and shells

DimensionsOverall: 13 in. (33 cm)

Credit LineFrom the Barbara Jean Jacoby Collection

Object number87.26.34

DescriptionBocio wood carvings are a type of Vodun art, associated with the Vodun religion of Nigeria, Benin, Togo and Ghana. Bocio carvings are said to have magical, supernatural powers and utilized for medicinal purposes. The figures are meant to be scary, hideous or whatever the Fon consider to be unattractive in order to control magical forces. In order for the figures to contain their magical powers, the objects are usually pinned, clothed, bound, or pegged. The powers are then activated by a group, who then uses alcoholic or pepper-induced heat, speech or saliva, and is then offered to a deity.

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