Brass Sculpture of a king on a Palanquin

Brass Sculpture of a king on a Palanquin

Fon Culture

before 1974

Fon culture

West Africa

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

Bef. 1974

20th Century

17 cm h. x 35.5 cm w. x 6 cm d.

Sculpture

Wood and Brass

Carved design and Cast Design

Frances Davis Extended Loan, 1974.

1974.006A

1974

20200039 and 20200040