Two statuettes ·  Ghana, Ashanti · ID: 3034165

Description

wood, a) figure with ringed neck, fly whisk or hoe across the left shoulder, black encrusted patina, h: 15 cm, slightly dam. (nose, mouth, foot tips), metal plate; b) standing figure, at the back of the head carved with a mask of the “bonu amwin” type, painted in blue and red, h: 11,8 cm, slightly dam., base;
“bonu amwin” means “god of the woods”. This mask of high authority belongs to the “do” secret society. This mask was greatly feared, it was a powerful force for averting harm and maintaining order in the community.