Zoomorphic recade "makpo" · Benin, Fon · ID: 3050061
sold
EUR 200
Provenance
Justin Barthels, Maastricht, The NetherlandsSize
H: 49 cm
H: 19.3 inch
Description
wood, brass, base
Originally, recades were used to legitimise royal messengers. The term “récade” was taken from the Portuguese “recado” (message).
In general, recades had different functions, were army insignia or were used ceremonially, especially in the cult of the thunder god Heviosso. The various types are referred to by the collective term “makpo”.
Comparing literature
Wilhelm, Gustav, Récaden aus der Sammlung Birgit Schlothauer und Gustav Wilhelm, Marl 2016