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MILLON

196 - Large Janus fetish with padlocks Wood, padlocks, cord, vario…
See original version (French)

Estimate €400 - €600
Sale commission
Description
Large Janus fetish with padlocks Wood, padlocks, cord, various materials, aged patina and signs of wear Fon, Benin 50 x 28 x 29 cm This protective fetish features a spectacular accumulation of padlocks, added over the course of ritual use to symbolise the sealing off, protection and locking away of malevolent influences. Each addition likely corresponded to a specific request, a wish or a particular ritual action. The piece exudes a powerful visual presence, where the accumulation of metal objects transforms the sculpture into an almost contemporary composition, evoking certain 20th-century assemblages. The contrast between the anthropomorphic structure and the tangle of padlocks reinforces the object’s protective and magical power.
See original version (French)
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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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