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MILLON
193
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Female figure crowned and kneeling
Wood, metal, cowrie shell…
See original version (French)
193
-
Female figure crowned and kneeling
Wood, metal, cowrie shell…
See original version (French)
Estimate €280 - €350
Voluntary lot
Description
Female figure
crowned and kneeling
Wood, metal, cowrie shells, beads, seashells and various materials; with a thick, ancient brown patina resulting from ritual sprinklings carried out on site
Fon, Benin
40 x 18 cm
This kneeling female figure is part of the ritual practices of the Fon world, where such ornate statuettes served as protective talismans or intermediaries with invisible powers. The attentive posture, half-closed eyes and focused demeanour reinforce the work’s introspective nature, likely linked to practices of protection, divination or intercession.
The cowrie shells, metal rings and accumulated materials all contribute to the sculpture’s symbolic significance. The ritual markings visible on the surface bear witness to prolonged use in situ, whilst the accumulation of elements lends the whole a dense and organic aesthetic, reminiscent of certain contemporary assemblages.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale
Journey Across the Continents (sale without live performance)
Auction location
Auction time
09/10/2026 at 1:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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