Fon Standing Shrine Figure, Based

Half a face in blue, and no particular wish to explain.

Fon artisans of Benin, West Africa, made this standing shrine figure in wood. Figures like it are commonly associated with protection and are often built up over time with applied surface layers. This example has a blocky, rounded body with arms held close and a calm, closed-eyed face, the right side washed in pale blue and the left in warm grey. Cloth or cord seems to bind the neck. A slim black stand supports the legs.

About nine inches tall. Subtle, pale and a bit dramatic.