Standing male figure "bochio" ·  Republic of Benin (ex Dahomey), Fon / Nigeria, Yoruba, Anago · ID: 3049656

Description

wood, red pigment, base

“Bochios” act as sentinels or protectors of a village, a society, a family or an individual. Dangers from outside, e.g. from witches or evil spirits, are driven away by them. They can also exclude dangers within the community, e.g. discord, legal disputes or envy, through their power. They are guardians who ward off bad influences from outside and at the same time ensure harmony within a group.

The “bochios” always stand in a strategically favourable place where they can unfold their full power according to their function. They receive offerings and are fed with palm oil, maize meal and animal blood.

Comparing literature

Fon, Bochios, Altarfiguren, Kultgegenstände, Düsseldorf 2001, p. 4 ff.