Fon Iron Fertility Fetish, Based

Stout cap, straight stem and a pair of stubby toes planted firmly on the stand.

This iron fertility fetish figure on a base is Fon, from Togo, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Blacksmiths hold a respected position in many West African societies, and iron figures are generally made by forging or casting rather than by carving. At a glance, a rounded cap with a slightly domed crown sits on an upright rod that widens into a splayed foot. The surface is a deep brown with rough texture, and a tiny pin shows at the side of the shaft. It is 3 inches wide, 1 deep and 8 high.

Upright in every sense, and not about to bend.