Female altar figure "bochio" ·  Benin, Fon/Anago · ID: 3040130

Description

wood, copper ring, the lower jaw of a small animal and a loincloth wrapped around the figures body, figure and attachments likewise coated with a thick encrusted layer of sacrificial patina, metal plate;
“bochios” are placed in front of houses, near the entrance of a dwelling or on village squares. They are guardian figures disposing of protective forces by attracting potential danger and keeping it away from the people. Vodun “bochios” are “charged up” by a vodun and are directly dependent on the power of that certain Vodun for their effect.