Three miniature power figures "bla bochio" ·  Benin, Fon · ID: 3042743

Description

wood, a) standing figure rising from pointed base, lower part of the body wrapped with cord, breast pierced by wooden peg, h: 19,5 cm; b) half figure, magical loading (pieces of bone and skull of small animal) wrapped around the body by cord, strongly encrusted patina, crack backside, h: 14,5 cm; c) half figure on wooden peg, nut shells and animal horn attached by strips of fabric, covered with clay-like encrusted mass, h: 15,8 cm; each mounted on base.
“Bla-bochios” are captivated figures and were used in various situations. They help to defy captivity, like e. g. slavery in former times, or prevent diseases nowadays. Furtheron they enable to commit persons to oneself, e. g. two lovers.