Note:
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Fon people

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Pair of Fon Gelede Masks from Benin
SKU: AFM-2003

Fon, Benin, late 20th century
Pair of masks - Wood with red, green, yellow, black, white oil paints, remnants of rubber inner tube chin straps.  Initials "S.P." painted on the back of both masks (8” h x 6 1/2” w. x 8 1/2” d., 7 1/4" h. x 8” w. x 7 1/2” d.).  
Ex. collection of Nancy Josephson.  Purchased by collector in Benin, c.2000.

$950/pair

Fon Gelede Mask with Bird
SKU: AFM-2001

Fon, Benin, late 20th century
Wood with red, green, yellow, black, white oil paint, with fabric hinge for wings, nylon strings (19"h. x 8 1/2"w. x 10" d.).  Wings and head of bird are operable by pulling strings.  
Ex. collection of Nancy Josephson.  Purchased by collector in Benin, c.2000.

$850

Fon Gelede Mask Surmounted by Snake in Jar
SKU: AFM-2002

Fon, Benin, late 20th century
Wood with red, green, yellow, black, white oil paints, nylon string (18"h. x 6 1/2"w. x 8" d.).  Snake in pot is operable by pulling string.  
Ex. collection of Nancy Josephson.  Purchased by collector in Benin, c.2000.

$850

SKU: FB-2001

Benin, c.2000
Fabric applique (52"h x 58"w)

Ex collection of Nancy Josephson.

$250

Peacock - Vintage Fon Applique
SKU: FB-2301

Unknown Fon textile artist.  Dahomey (now Benin), c.1970. (53"h. x 34"w.).
Appliqué depicting peacock, buffalo, lion, fish, human head and other traditional symbols of Fon royal history and myth.
Provenance:  current owner purchased in Benin (known as Dahomey until 1975) in 1973.

In the ancient West African kingdom of Dahomey, appliqué cloths were made on commission by members of family guilds for individuals of high rank and power. The appliqué designs depicting birds, fish, wild animals (lion, bush cow), human beings, plants (trees, pineapple), sailing ships, king's insignia and the like recalled particular events during the reign of the kings of Dahomey and were linked with well-known proverbs to convey stories of power, conquest and status. Many of the designs seem linked with bas-relief patterns on palace walls. Certain designs referred to the praise names of local rulers and the arrangements of figures suggested, at times, progression in the actions of daily life, a familiar story or a specific incident.

Traditionally, men were the producers of appliqué, working with European trade cloth to create state umbrellas, rulers' hats, association banners and hammocks, pillow tops and wall hangings to decorate the houses of chiefs and others of high status. More recently, wall hangings, in particular, have become popular tourist items, fueling the production of new appliqué cloths to meet market demand.

(Notes above from the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art)

$450

Product Status: 
Sold
Elephant in the Forest
SKU: FB-2002

Benin, c.2000
Fabric applique (27” h. x 32” w.)

Ex collection of Nancy Josephson.

$150

Product Status: 
Sold
Twelve Kings of Dahomey Royal Dynasty Banner
SKU: fb-2

1997
Fabric applique (35"h x 49"w)

$148

Product Status: 
Sold
Dahomean King Guezo
SKU: fb-1

Royal Dynasty Banner
1997
Fabric applique (21"h x 31 1/2"w)

$75

Product Status: 
Sold