BOCHIO Figure / Benin / Togo

‘Bochio’ sculptures are made by the Fon tribe (modern-day Benin, West Africa) . They are often quite crude carvings which impress precisely for their aesthetic imperfection. Bochio figures stand in village squares or in front of house entrances. They are supposed to attract evil, and in this way, act as a lightning rod, keeping it away from the people. They are guardian figures. The figure being offered is heavily weathered and very old. Museum piece. From a private collection in Belgium. On a base. Height: 69 cm