Fon Wood Medicine Pounder, Based

A slim club of a pestle, with a bead for a head.

This medicine pounder was carved in wood by Fon makers of Togo, West Africa, in the 20th century. Fon healers and households commonly used long pestles to crush barks, leaves and roots for remedies. A small round knob crowns the narrow end, and the shaft thickens gently toward the foot. Several fine lines are cut around the body in groups. The wood is a smoky brown, softly polished by handling. It is mounted on a low black plinth.

About 36 inches tall, and only four wide. Slender enough to disappear beside a door frame.