Figure "bochio wutuji" · Benin, Fon · ID: 3041152
Description
wood, arms and torso closely wrapped in fabric with two small knives inserted, bowl-shaped package with magical loading in front of the belly, plugged in iron spout, nearly completely covered with thick encrusted sacrificial patina (feathers among others), metal base;
“wutuji bochio” means as much as “swollen” or “pregnant bochio”. It should thus be referred to fertility and pregnancy, but to sickness, death and psychological strain as well.
The object Figure “bochio wutuji” with the object ID 3041152 was part of the auction 84th Tribal Art Auction on November 5, 2016. The object with the lot number 269 achieved a sales price of EUR 600 with an asking price of EUR 500.
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Comparing literature
Skulpturenmuseum Glaskasten Marl (Hg.), Skulpturen und Objekte aus der Region des Königreiches Dahomey, Marl 2008, p. 62