Brass Sculpture of a king on a Palanquin
Dublin Core
Title
Brass Sculpture of a king on a Palanquin
Creator
Fon Culture
Creator Biography
before 1974
Culture
Fon culture
Place Made
West Africa
Description
This interesting sculpture shows a king seated on a hammock like palanquin, or litter, that is carried by two attendants, while the king, wearing a conical headdress and the wide royal gown typical of that region, holds a proclamation staff and blows on a trumpet. While the figure of the king on the palanquin might resemble a Benin Oba, the elongated limbs and simplified forms of these figures are typical of the style of the Fon, a cultural group that neighbors the Benin, and likewise has a divine kingship government. While the Fon work much more commonly with forged iron rather than cast brass, they make small brass figural groups such as these to decorate their royal tombs.
Researched by Timberlee Long, MSU Student, 2008, Under the direction of Dr. Billie Follensbee
Researched by Timberlee Long, MSU Student, 2008, Under the direction of Dr. Billie Follensbee
Date Created
Bef. 1974
Century
20th Century
Item Dimensions
17 cm h. x 35.5 cm w. x 6 cm d.
Medium
Sculpture
Materials
Wood and Brass
Techniques
Carved design and Cast Design
Provenance
Frances Davis Extended Loan, 1974.
Acession Number
1974.006A
Accession Year
1974
Photo Number
20200039 and 20200040