3 - Anthropomorphic fetish

Anthropomorphic fetish with a sound-producing top panel Wood, goat’s hoof, metal, chain, cowrie shells, beads (some of which are blue), fabric, cord, feathers, plant material, and clay; thick, aged brown patina in places; signs of wear. Fon, Benin. 17 x 11 cm Provenance: Formerly in the collection of Jacques Kerchache, Paris. Formerly in the collection of Michel Propper, Paris. Exhibition: Voodoo, Paris, Fondation Cartier for Contemporary Art, April 5–September 25, 2011. Publication: Jacques Kerchache, Marc Augé, Gabin Djimassé, Suzanne Preston Blier, and Patrick Vilaire, *Vaudou*, photographs by Yuji Ono, Paris, Fondation Cartier for Contemporary Art, 2011, reproduced on pp. 120–121. With its arms raised, this figure displays a highly stylized, almost minimalist silhouette. Its arms form a wide cross, and two stacked cowrie shells emphasize the axis of the torso. A chain wraps around the figure in a loose loop, its suppleness contrasting with the tight construction of the body. At the top, an open cavity houses a clapper that lends the sculpture a sonic dimension. This feature is reminiscent of ritual fon bells with an internal clapper, such as the one held by the Musée des Confluences in Lyon. In Abomey, certain ceremonial bells were held in the hand to produce sounds addressed to the deities as part of ritual chants. When set in motion, this effigy could similarly unite sound, gesture, and speech in the invocation of the vodun powers. Documentary references: Musée des Confluences, Bell with internal clapper, Fon, Benin, inv. D979-3-1370A. Laboratory of Anthropology, Archaeology, and Biology, Ceremonial bell (voodoo), Abomey, Benin, inv. MAAM.2018.10.13.1.