Fon Wood Medicine Pounder, Based

Two clubs, and neither of them is for show.

Fon makers of Benin, West Africa, made these medicine pounders in wood in the 20th century. Long wood pounders are commonly used to grind plant materials and are associated with healing practice in the region. The pair shown stands vertically on black mounts. The left one is topped with a small red-painted animal head, and the surface is dark and rough. The right is a smooth, tapering rod with a rounded knob at the top and fine incised bands. Both are weathered brown, scraped and cracked along the sides.

About 40 inches tall, each. Stand them in a corner and they become sentries.